Building Leaders for the Game of Life – Niger Youth Soccer Coaches

Building Leaders for the Game of Life – Niger Youth Soccer Coaches

The Institute For Sport & Social Justice is privileged to train 14 Niger soccer coaches in ethical leadership in youth sports on Monday, January 20, 2020 in Orlando, Florida.  As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division programs, 14 participants from Niger will spend January 11 – 25, 2020, in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and Tampa, Florida examining ways to use soccer to promote positive youth leadership development.  The Sports Visitor participants from Niger are joined by FHI 360 staff for the entirety of their visit and together, with U.S. Department of State personnel, ensure the program is adapted to U.S. foreign policy goals and participant interests. 

Executive Director, Delise O’Meally’s thoughts about this opportunity: “What do youth coaches from the French speaking, West African nation of Niger have in common with American social justice advocates from Central Florida?    Well as it turns out, everything!  Although our culture and language may be different, we share a universal passion for sport, that opens minds and hearts, transcends barriers and boundaries, creates unity in purpose, and brings the human race together.

We, the Institute for Sport and Social Justice, are proud to partner with the US Department of State Sports Diplomacy program, building relationships between the United States and other nations.  The Institute embraces a global vision of creating worldwide social justice through the power of sport.  We believe, as South African legend, Nelson Mandela once said, “ . . . sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, to unite people and to create hope. “ The Sports Diplomacy program is on the forefront of this effort, putting this concept to work by engaging internationally at the grassroots level, and developing those connections that inevitably are there, if we take the time to learn about each other.  In a world increasingly consumed with negativity and rhetoric, sports diplomacy increases dialogue and understanding, one coach, one athlete, one person at a time.  Certainly we know that the best way to learn, is from each other, and the best way to grow, is by expanding our vision, seeing beyond our borders, and engaging in a positive manner with the rest of the world.  We are united in this mission.

We are CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF SPORT!”

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