http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-05-16T18:44:45+00:00
On April 18, international colleagues from the diplomatic community joined to compete in the "Embassy Olympics." SportsUnited representatives from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs along with their colleagues in the Bureau of International Information Programs and Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs were key "players" in the event.

Even the rainy weather -- true to form for a British activity -- did not dampen the spirits of the participants. Embassy teams enthusiastically represented countries that have previously hosted the Olympics including Australia, Canada, Greece, Russia, and Switzerland.

The D.C. based "Embassy Olympics" served as an opportunity to spotlight the impact of sports diplomacy and for the State Department's SportsUnited team to share its "game plan" of special activities focused on the 2012 Olympic Games with the local embassies. During this Olympic Year, the State Department is expanding its sports diplomacy endeavors, while all of our sports exchange programs seek to increase international mutual understanding through athletics -- a shared Olympic goal.

For example, we are currently hosting a soccer exchange program for Egyptian soccer coaches. In partnership with D.C. United, and its charitable organization United for D.C., the Egyptian coaches will participate in trainings and workshops with American athletes and attend clinics on coaching, sports administration, women's empowerment through sports, Title IX, conflict resolution, and disability sports. The visit of these coaches is a key component of the Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative, which aims to increase the number of women and girls worldwide who are involved in sports.

As we've seen through this initiative, and our other programs, sports have a unique ability to bring people together to foster greater understanding. And, the "Embassy Olympics" was no exception. The activity was an inspirational all-around sports diplomacy experience!

The afternoon kicked-off with a fast-paced basketball three-pointer contest and an exciting -- albeit nerve-racking -- round of soccer penalty shots. Next on the line-up was the 100 meter dash and shot put. The friendly competition finished with a four-person relay race, which was a wonderful team way to wrap up the day. British Ambassador Peter Westmacott awarded medals to the winning "country" teams.

From start to finish, the “Embassy Olympics” was a way to bring the Olympics to Washington D.C., to show the State Department's support for the Olympics, and to unify nations around the shared passion for sports. Everyone left the event feeling positive about the fast-approaching Olympic summer games.

You can find photographs of the event on the British Embassy's Flickr photostream. For a video of a special SportsUnited's London Envoy Program focused on youth outreach and the Olympics, click here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/london_2012_olympics_countdown/ 2012-05-13T13:48:24+00:00
"I think the common thread everywhere...is about the life skills that you learn...that are sharpened from participating in sports -- problem-solving, teamwork, dealing with adversity."

Major League Baseball All-Star and 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Barry Larkin visited Ecuador in February as a Sports Envoy for the SportsUnited Division of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Joe Logan, former player with the Montreal Expos and coach of the Orlando Reds, accompanied Larkin. This visit marked their fourth Sports Envoy program together, following past trips to South Korea, Taiwan, and Colombia. The two dedicated "sports diplomats" work together on these overseas programs to connect with young people through the game of baseball.

While in Guayaquil, Larkin and Logan conducted clinics for youth and their coaches at Yeyo Uraga, a local baseball facility. The envoys spoke with students about the importance of academics, positive health practices, and respect for diversity at the Centro Ecuatoriano Americano and Colegio Americano.

Regardless of school, city, or country around the world, it is mutually enriching experiences like these that make Mr. Larkin and Mr. Logan long-time devotees of the Sports Envoy program at the State Department.

In July, Mr. Larkin will be inducted in the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, having been elected this year by the Golden Era Committee. Mr. Larkin(tm)s contributions as a Sports Envoy certainly play into his deserving such an esteemed recognition.

The SportsUnited Division brings youth athletes and coaches to the United States as well as sends sports envoys to countries abroad. See recent photos of the Sports Envoy program in Ecuador and videos of the past Sports Envoys in South Korea.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/baseball_larkin_sports_envoy/ 2012-03-02T17:56:08+00:00