With roots that go back to Athletes in Action softball (1984), CEI has been sharing the good news of Jesus through sports since 1997. Throughout this time, over 100 teams have been sent to countries around the world. In 2001, CEI began refocusing its resources on reaching the unreached and started sending teams to places in the world where people have little or no access to the gospel. In addition to sending its Sports Ministry Teams, CEI sent its inaugural First Responders Sports Team in 2015. These teams have combined trauma counseling with therapy through play to provide holistic healing.