Special Initiatives

Special Initiatives

Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever-strengthening relations between the United States and other nations. Sports diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports as a way to transcend linguistic and sociocultural differences and bring people together. Participation in sports teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives.

Sports diplomacy exchanges increase dialogue and cultural understanding between people around the world. The use of sports as a platform exposes international exchange participants to American culture while providing them with an opportunity to establish links with U.S. sports professionals and peers. In turn, Americans learn about other cultures and the challenges young people from other countries face today. Sports diplomacy exchanges have involved tens of thousands of people from more than 180 countries to do just this.

Greening of Sports Initiative

Did you know that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) taps into the power of sport to protect our environment?

GET FIT Virtual Sports Diplomacy Series

In April 2020, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Sports Diplomacy Division launched its Get Fit virtual campaign.

Dean running under a sunny sky next to yellow flowering fields
Silk Road Ultramarathon

From June 29 to July 10, 2016, the U.S. Department of State sponsored ultra-marathon legend Dean Karnazes as he follows the ancient Silk Road.

Latest Conversations

Special Initiatives | Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Error

Status message

Created three snippet files based on configuration.
The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later.