Seton Hall University to Host the Sixth SSH Conference in 2026
Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, will host the Sport at the Service of Humanity (SSH) Conference from November 4-6, 2026. This event aims to promote important discussions around sports, faith, and community building. The theme for this year’s conference is “Communication, Collaboration, Community: Sport at the Service of Humanity.”
The SSH initiative began back in October 2016 after the First Global Conference on Faith and Sport at the Vatican. Inspired by Pope Francis, it connects sports and faith to foster social change. According to recent surveys, nearly 70% of people believe that sports can positively impact communities. This conference builds on that belief.
This upcoming conference is especially significant as it marks the sixth SSH event held in the U.S. and the fifth at a BIG EAST Conference school. Previous conferences were hosted by notable universities such as Villanova, Georgetown, and Marquette.
Monsignor Joseph Reilly, president of Seton Hall, highlighted the importance of the conference: “Sports hold immense power to benefit society. We must reflect positive values in how we engage with sports.” Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing sports’ role in uniting communities and promoting human dignity.
The SSH Conference will invite leaders from athletics, media, and faith communities to discuss ways sports can be a force for good. It aims to inspire innovations that enhance the intersection of faith and sports, particularly in educational settings.
Additionally, just before the conference, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman participated in a workshop in Vatican City aimed at harnessing sports for social good. Leaders discussed how to use sports programs to foster personal growth and community development.
The SSH movement focuses on three key pillars: Inspiration, Inclusion, and Involvement. This drive is about making sports accessible and uplifting for everyone, especially those who are often overlooked.
For more on this initiative, visit the official Sport at the Service of Humanity website.
Connecting sports to faith has the potential to shape a healthier and more inclusive society. As we look forward to the conference, it’s a reminder of sports’ unique ability to bring people together in pursuit of a common purpose.
