 Sally Ward
Teen speaker
Sally Ward was a USA Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team member for four years. In 1992, she was the #1 ranked Jr. Rhythmic Gymnast in the United States. She has traveled the world competing for the USA National Team including China, Brazil, England, Holland, Portugal, and France.
At the height of her career, Sally had an experience with God in which He called her out of gymnastics. Despite intense opposition, Sally chose to obey the voice of God. What she did not know was that her struggles were just beginning.
Sally returned to school shortly after she retired. Her attempt to adjust to her new life felt like complete failure as she realized she had no identity outside of "Sally Ward the Gymnast." With no sense of whom she was, Sally believed the deceitful thoughts telling her that she was worth nothing without her career.
 Sally began gaining weight at a rapid pace. Within six months she weighed nearly twice as much as she did when she retired. After a year of feeling depressed and overweight, Sally started a secret rampage of weight loss. She first began over exercising. When she could no longer keep up the routine, she turned to anorexia. This led to heavy bulimia and cutting. For the next five years Sally continued to battle until she was convinced there was no hope for success in her life.
In despair, Sally cried out to God and the answer finally came. While she was attending Rhema Bible Training Center, God began to show her through His Word who she truly was. She discovered that she was beautiful and complete in Him, just as He made her. He taught her that she was more than a conqueror and had a destiny and a purpose to fulfill.
As God began to reveal his plan, he placed inside her heart a message of power, freedom and hope for the youth of today. Supernatural doors of opportunity soon began to open for Sally to share her testimony.
In 2004 Sally was a guest speaker and performer as she toured with "Point of Grace" in their "Girls of Grace" conferences. Sally has performed for and motivated young people at many venues and churches during the past several years. She has been a motivational speaker for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many other organizations.
She was the cover story for Brio Magazine (1992, 2004) and Young Salvationist Magazine and was pictured in the Sports Illustrated for Kids "Make the Team: Gymnastics for Girls" book. She has a heart for the youth of today as she speaks passionately from her own experiences on eating disorders, self abuse (cutting), abstinence, and discovering the freedom that comes from knowing who you are in Christ. Sally uses her wonderful testimony as she boldly proclaims the truth of a life in Christ.
Sally and her husband Tyler Knepper are based out of North Florida where they volunteer at Anchor Faith Church and are active in the traveling ministry.
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Speaking Topics
Don't Buy the Lie- In today's world, young girls and women alike are assaulted on all sides with voices telling them who they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to look like. Sally speaks boldly as she opens up the Word of God to give power and hope as she exposes the lies that cause women to turn to eating disorders, depression, and self mutilation.
Running Your Race to Win- Sally chronicles her life as a world-ranked gymnast, how training for the olympics got her fame and priveledge, but ultimately it has been her relationship with God that has made all the difference.
Abstinence- The importance of honoring God with your body.
Travels
from:
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