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You can have a stadium full of fans, all rooting for the same team, and never once question your neighbor’s politics, the religious beliefs of your seatmates, or the ethnicity of your supporters. In some ways, there is no better form of diplomacy than sports diplomacy, especially among today’s youth.
From May 6th to May 16th, Mercyhurst University women’s volleyball head coach Ryan Patton and assistant volleyball coach Jenelle Patton will be guest speakers as representatives of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Program in collaboration with the department. Attend as a. Turkish Youth Sports Federation.
They both say that balancing their love of sports with their service efforts is extremely rewarding, and they look forward to the opportunity to share that with others.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as Sports Envoy,” Ryan said. “The opportunity to meet, collaborate and learn from people from different parts of the world based on a common love of volleyball and sports is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. , we hope and believe that our role in the Sports Envoy program will foster mutual respect and understanding and pave the way for deeper ties between the peoples of our two countries in the future. ”
With two Turkish players on the Mercyhurst volleyball team’s roster, the Pattons are providing information on how Turkish coaches can recruit players to play at various levels of U.S. intercollegiate athletics. We plan to provide it. There are also plans to hold workshops for club coaches and university students.
“Sports envoys are athletes and coaches who travel abroad to lead programs developed by U.S. embassies and consulates,” according to the program’s website. “These American coaches and athletes host sports clinics for young people and their coaches, participate in community outreach efforts, and engage young people in conversations about the importance of leadership and respect for diversity. I am participating.”
Ryan is in his 20th year as the Lakers’ head coach. Jenelle is in his 16th year with the team and his 13th year with Campus Ministry.
