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YONKERS, N.Y. -- It is no surprise Henry Ordosgoitia uses the professional name of Henry O for easier name recognition, but he is widely known in the New York sports world for his photographic expertise and artistry by fans of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Ordosgoitia, who lives in Yonkers, grew up in the Bronx, where he developed his love of sports, music and photography on the tough inner-city streets during the hectic 1970s and '80s. His devotion to his faith also motivated him as a musician, singer, guitarist and developer of coffee house music ministries.
"I love sports, photography and music and I believe we all have God-given talents we can use to inspire others," Ordosgoitia said. "I've been blessed to have opportunties to be around professional football and to minister to so many people."
As a longtime employee of Spanish-language newspaper El Diario La Prensa, Ordosgoitia blended a 28-year professional career in the classified department with his avocation as a sports photographer and work in church ministry. He co-founded Sports Vision ministries in 1986 with the idea of sharing his art and his faith with people.
Like many of his age group, the 53-year-old Ordosgoitia recently found himself as one of millions of unemployed Americans looking for full-time employment. An automobile accident just after the Giants won the Super Bowl in February also slowed him a bit, but he managed to be on the job at the celebration and parade despite damaged ribs. He also lost his position on staff with NFL Properties when the company was purchased by Wire Image.
"I recently went through the course work to get certification as a substitute teacher and I'm out there looking for a good job," Ordosgoitia said. "It's been really hard to exercise my faith when life kind of fell apart, but I've been holding on to the Lord and he has been coming through for me with my bills. All I was ever interested in was using my photography or music to encourage folks. Even though I lost my job. I still want to help folks."
A member for many years of the six-time Grammy award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle gospel choir, Ordosgoitia has not stopped singing or working Giants and Jets games and sharing his photography. He posts his football photographs and inspirational messages via his Sports Vision website.
"I believe in a America where you get opportunities to get up when you fall and start out again," Ordosgoitia said. "I had the great opportunity to sing God Bless America at the Yonkers waterfront last year at the memorial of September Eleventh. I really don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know the Lord is faithful and he will see me through."
For more information about Sports Vision, or to contact Ordosgoitia about his photography, email to henry059@aol.com or log on at sportsvisionministry.webs.com.
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