The State Department had two concurrent bilateral sports exchange program with Russia in the summer of 2012. The programs—one of which brought Russians to the U.S. and the other which sent Americans to Russia—support the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission’s (BPC) efforts to increase cooperation between the two countries. The first sports visitor program brought 19 Russian males and females and four coaches to Southern California for a beach volleyball program from July 6 to July 20. The group participated in volleyball sessions with Americans that were organized in cooperation with USA Volleyball. The group also took part in teambuilding, conflict resolution, and Special Olympics activities. They had an opportunity to visit USC's campus for a tour of the athletics facilities and chance to learn about college life in the U.S.
Promoting Mutual Understanding
