Sports Envoys and U.S. Women’s National Team member, Alex Morgan leads soccer drills in Tanzania. 2017.
About
Sports Envoys are American current and former athletes, coaches, and sports administrators who travel overseas to lead programs that are developed by U.S. Embassies and Consulates in collaboration with the Sports Diplomacy Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
The Sports Envoys lead sports clinics for young people and their coaches, participate in community outreach activities, and engage audiences in a dialogue to develop leadership skills, encourage academic success, and empower girls, people with disabilities and marginalized communities to achieve their potential.
Sports Envoys typically travel to a single country for five to seven days of programming including travel time but programs can also be designed around the pre-planned travel of athletes or coaches to participate in international competitions or while on other travel.
““Of all the things I do in sport, I have to say this is my absolute most rewarding, fun, and interesting opportunity, that of a Sports Envoy.””
Recent Sports Envoys
Upcoming Sports Envoys
Candice Wiggins and Jim Cleamons
August 10-18, 2018: Algeria
From August 10- 18, 2018, the U.S. Department of State will sponsor former WNBA player Candice Wiggins and Former NBA player and coach Jim Cleamons as they travel as part of the Sports Envoy program.
Candice and Jim will visit both Algeria, connecting with youth and coaches along the way on behalf of the United States, conducting clinics, giving talks, and inviting people of all ages to join them in events and activities.
Sheri Sam and Ruthie Bolton
July 16-26, 2018: Georgia and Armenia
From July 16- 26, 2018, the U.S. Department of State sponsored former WNBA players Sheri Sam and Ruthie Bolton as they traveled as part of the Sports Envoy program.
Sheri and Ruthie visited both Georgia and Armenia, connecting with youth and coaches along the way on behalf of the United States, conducting clinics, giving talks, and inviting people of all ages to join them in events and activities.
Recent Sports Envoy Program Map
See where Sports Envoys have travelled since 2017.
Get Involved
The Department of State partners with professional sports leagues, the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Soccer and other U.S. national governing bodies of sport to recruit and select Sports Envoys. We also welcome the direct interest of accomplished athletes, coaches, and administrators who want to make a positive difference in countries around the world.
If you are interested in becoming a Sports Envoy, please message us below to find out more!
