A Community Sports Team (CST) Training Level-1 program was successfully conducted on June 27, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:15 PM, at the Ghoserchar Baptist Church Conference Hall. The training was led by Mr. Grant Sheppard, Founder and CEO of World Sport Ministries (WSM), in cooperation with Messianic Family Center International Bangladesh.
The training brought together 38 participants representing diverse backgrounds, including different castes, races, age groups, and religious communities. The program focused on the role of sports as an effective tool for community engagement, relationship building, and promoting social harmony.
During the session, Mr. Sheppard emphasized the significant influence of sports in Bangladesh, noting that approximately 80 percent of the country’s population – around 142 million people – love and regularly discuss sports. He highlighted that this widespread passion for sports creates a unique opportunity to foster positive relationships, strengthen communities, and build harmony among people from different backgrounds.
“Sports provide a common platform that transcends social, cultural, and religious barriers,” Mr. Sheppard stated. “Through sports ministry and community engagement, we can create meaningful connections and contribute positively to society.”
In addition, Mr. Buddah from Nepal, a training associate of Mr. Sheppard, shared practical experiences and effective strategies that have been successfully implemented in Nepal for establishing and developing Community Sports Teams (CSTs) in various communities. He presented several practical approaches and community-based models that have helped foster relationships, encourage participation, and strengthen local community engagement through sports.
The CST Training Level-1 program equipped participants with practical knowledge and strategies for utilizing sports as a powerful instrument for leadership development, community service, and relationship building.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding sports-based community initiatives throughout Bangladesh.