Why does the U.S. Department of State support sports diplomacy?

While the United States leveraged the power of sports even before the ping pong diplomacy era, the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division—formerly SportsUnited—was established in the wake of 9/11 as a means of reaching out to youth in the Middle East through soccer. Our scope has expanded to include all regions, thousands of participants, and the full spectrum of sports. Housed in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), our people-to-people sports exchanges open doors in hard-to-reach places and engage communities at the grassroots level.

We believe that if we can sweat it out together on the field or court, then we can see eye-to-eye with one another. When leveraged thoughtfully and strategically, we know that sports can be a platform to champion foreign policy priorities.

The Sports Envoy Program

The Sports Envoy Program is comprised of elite American athletes, coaches, and educators who travel abroad on short-term (7-10 day) sports exchanges. Sports Envoy programs are designed to reach underserved communities, inspiring youth and coaches alike, with stories of resilience, teamwork, and education. Sports Envoys lead sports clinics, speak at universities, and meet with senior level officials to discuss the role of sport in improving individual lives and transforming societies.

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The Sports Visitor Program

The Sports Visitor Program brings youth athletes, coaches, and administrators from around the world to the United States for a short-term (approximately two-week) sports-based-exchange. During the program, participants engage with American peers and sports practitioners, and participate in clinics and sessions on leadership, team building, and conflict resolution. 

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The International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI)

The International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) is an annual sports grant competition for U.S.-based nonprofits to administer two-way exchanges that engage youth development professionals, coaches, and sports administrators.

Through sports, ISPI aims to advance foreign policy goals while reaching traditionally underserved audiences.

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The Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP)

The Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) is a professional development opportunity for foreign-born leaders (ages 25-45) to travel to the United States for a five-week mentorship experience with American senior executives in business and media and key decision-makers in the sports sector.  By the end of the mentorship experience, the participants create an action plan to leverage sport to strengthen their communities when they return home from the exchange.  American mentors benefit from an expanded international and domestic network, increased cross-cultural awareness, and insights into overseas sports markets.  Since 2012, 287 delegates have participated in the GSMP representing 97 countries

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135+
Olympic and Paralympic athletes
Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
25
different sports
Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball,Paralympic Athletes,Running,Skateboarding,Beach Volleyball, Field Hockey,Triathlon/Cycling,Wheelchair Basketball,Boxing,Adapted Swimming,Judo,Olympic Swimming,Distance Running,Self Defense,Referees,Baseball,etc.
125
Countries
Envoys have traveled to every continent (except Antarctica) and over 125 countries around the world.
41
states, plus the District of Columbia, since 2002.
ISPI two-way exchanges have taken place
In 2020-2021
ISPI partners
have implemented 25+ virtual exchanges for 2,000+ Foreign and American participants around the world.
Since 2016
16 ISPI partner organizations worked with 42 subaward organizations
in the implementation of two-way exchanges around the world.
85
Countries around the world.
ISPI two-way exchanges have taken place on every continent (except Antarctica)
4,400
Foreign and American participants
Have been involved in the two-way International Sports Programming Initiative since 2002.
1,500
Partnerships
catalyzed by GSMP alumni
1.5 Million
People
reached by GSMP alumni

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