International Sports Programming Initiative

Program Description

The International Sports Programming Initiative used sports to promote tolerance and respect for diversity and to help underserved youth around the world develop important leadership skills and achieve academic success.

The International Sports Programming Initiative included two-way, multi-phased exchange programs funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division. On these exchanges, youth and community sports leaders from the Near East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions participated in various activities that used sports and sports programming to promote tolerance and respect for diversity and to help participants develop important leadership skills and achieve academic success. The program aimed to include marginalized groups as participants, including women, girls, non-English speakers, and individuals with disabilities. The program also directly supported a goal of youth empowerment and development by equipping exchange participants with the knowledge and skills to become active and responsible members of their communities and the global arena. The skills developed through the exchange programs contributed to safer, more inclusive environments in communities across the region and increased opportunities for young people. 

The program also funded trainers/experts and community sports leaders from the U.S. to travel to the region for each exchange program to work with youth athletes and organizations in local communities. 

The International Sports Programming Initiative was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government, and administered by World Learning. 

Countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Tunisia