http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/08/170406.htm

Media Note
Washington, DC

August 11, 2011

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Recognizing the need for inclusiveness in the world of sports and
people-to-people exchanges, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs announced today that it will bring 14
athletes from Kazakhstan to the United States to participate in an inaugural
exchange for athletes with physical disabilities. During the 10-day
exchange, these male and female sitting volleyball players will participate
in clinics and games with their American counterparts in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, including with the U.S. Men and Women's Sitting Volleyball teams
and USA Volleyball. Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport for both men
and women.

Sports diplomacy builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's
vision of "smart power diplomacy." It embraces the use of a full range of
diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring individuals together to
strengthen people-to-people relationships and to foster greater
understanding.

Sports diplomacy creates international exchange opportunities for athletes
and their coaches. Participating in the sports visitor program, athletes and
coaches from 54 countries traveled to the United States to interact with
their American counterparts and engage on a host of issues, including:
balancing academics and athletics; creating opportunities for athletes with
disabilities; and empowering women and girls through sports. This is the
first-ever sports visitor program focused solely on athletes with physical
disabilities.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' SportsUnited Office leads
the U.S. Department of State's international exchange efforts to bring the
global community together through sports. Athletes and coaches from a range
of sports are chosen to conduct clinics, visit schools, and engage with
youth overseas in a dialogue on the importance of an education, positive
health practices, and respect for diversity.

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