Sports Envoys

Sports Envoys are athletes and coaches who travel overseas to lead programs that were developed by U.S. embassies and consulates. These American coaches and athletes hold sports clinics for young people and their coaches, participate in community outreach activities, and engage youth in a dialogue on the importance of leadership and respect for diversity. Sports Diplomacy manages the Sports Envoy programs, working in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. sports federations, and professional leagues. See a complete list of Sports Envoys.

Sports Visitors

Sports Visitors are young non-elite athletes and coaches chosen by U.S. missions overseas to visit the United States for a fast-paced two week exchange program. These sports-themed programs offer participants the opportunity to interact with Americans and experience American society, culture, and values firsthand. The activities include sessions on nutrition, strength and conditioning, gender equity in sport, sport and disability, and team building. Special emphasis is placed on the visitors’ development of personal action plans that they use upon their return home. The Sports Visitor programs are implemented through a cooperative agreement with FHI 360.

    As a member of the State Department’s Council to Empower Women and Girls through Sports, Jessica Mendoza truly engaged in “fieldwork” by leading a softball clinic for teenage girls in Nicaragua.
Sports and Public Diplomacy Envoys

List of sports and public diplomacy envoys from 2005-Present

Questions for U.S. Citizens
  • How can my U.S.-based sports organization become involved?

    Sports Diplomacy admires all organizations in the United States using sport as a tool to promote positive social change in the lives of young people. If you are part of a U.S.-based non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status, please consider applying to our annual Sports Diplomacy grant competition. Learn more on the Sports Grants page.

  • If I am a coach in the U.S. and would like to contribute to Sports Diplomacy programs, how can I try to do so?

    Sports Diplomacy appreciates when American coaches are interested in becoming involved. However, our Sports Visitor exchange programs for the year are prepared in collaboration with our specific contacts. We welcome your suggestions at SportsUnited@state.gov and may contact you if we see a good fit.

  • How can I apply for a job with Sports Diplomacy?

    If you are interested in applying for a position in the Sports Diplomacy Division, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s job application site and submit an application indicating your specific interest in our Division at http://www.usajobs.gov/.

  • How can I apply for an internship opportunity with Sports Diplomacy?

    If you are interested in applying for a position in the Sports Diplomacy Division, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s “Student and Recent Graduates Employment” site and submit an application indicating your specific interest in our Division at https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads.

  • How can I request a general meeting to discuss sports diplomacy?

    If you are interested in learning more about sports diplomacy or Sports Diplomacy's specific programs, please join Sports Diplomacy on Facebook and follow Sports Diplomacy on Twitter. You are also able to submit questions or requests to SportsUnited@state.gov. If we see an opportunity for meeting, we will respond. Thank you for your support and interest.

Questions for Non-U.S. Citizens
  • If I am a coach outside of the U.S. and would like to contribute somehow to Sports Diplomacy programs, how can I try to do so?

    Sports Diplomacy appreciates when coaches overseas are interested in becoming involved. However, our Sports Visitor and Sports Envoy programs for the year are prepared in collaboration with our specific contacts. We welcome your suggestions at SportsUnited@state.gov and may contact you if we see a good fit. You may also consider contacting your U.S. Embassy overseas for information on the U.S. Department of State’s sports efforts in your country.

  • How can my sports organization outside of the U.S. become involved?

    Sports Diplomacy admires all organizations around the world using sport as a tool to promote positive social change in the lives of young people. If you are a part of a sports organization interested in sports diplomacy, please contact your U.S. Embassy overseas for information on the U.S. Department of State’s sports efforts in your country.

  • If I live overseas, how can I learn more about joining in on a Sports Visitor trip to the U.S?

    If you are interested in learning more about the possibility of joining a Sports Visitor trip to the U.S., please contact your U.S. Embassy overseas for information on the U.S. Department of State’s sports exchange offerings in your country.

  • If I live overseas, how can I learn more about a possible Sports Envoy program taking place in my area?

    If you are interested in learning more about the possibility of a Sports Visitor program in your country, please contact your U.S. Embassy overseas for information on the U.S. Department of State’s sports efforts in your country.

  • Is there any way that my organization overseas could receive equipment donations?

    Although SportsUnited would like to spread sports goodwill through equipment donations, this is not possible due to limited resources outside of planned programs. In some cases, your U.S. Embassy overseas, private organizations, or sports federations may be able to help.

  • How can I support the State Department’s sports diplomacy initiatives?

    If you are interested in supporting global sports diplomacy efforts or SportsUnited’s specific programs, please join SportsUnited on Facebook and follow SportsUnited on Twitter. You are also able to submit questions or requests to SportsUnited@state.gov.

In their own words

Belia Z. Participant Sub-Saharan Africa Sports Visitor Program Western Hemisphere Read the story

Regional Impact

See where Sports Diplomacy programs have gone.

Learn more

700
Non-Elite Youth Athletes, Coaches and Admin
From over 50 countries have participated in the Sports Visitor Program from 2017 through 2020.
99%
Participants
Had a favorable view of the American people following a Sports Visitor exchange
112
Countries
Countries have had U.S. alumni participated in Sports Envoys total