NewsAthleticsSoccerVolleyball
Two visit Holland as sports ambassadors
Aug 20, 2007 11:32 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Holland became the first stamp on freshman Ali Harton’s passport this summer when she and eighth-grader John Wilhoite traveled to Europe as sports ambassadors for the Youth Friendship Games. This opportunity was made possible by the People to People organization.
“People to People is a foundation created by President Eisenhower in 1965 to foster peace and understanding among nations through direct communication,” said Harton. “Ambassadors are nominated by coaches, teachers or friends and selected based on their application, personal references, and an in-person interview with state leaders. When I found out I had been selected, I was ecstatic.”
Both Harton and Wilhoite were selected to participate in People to People’s Sports Ambassador Academy, where they would compete in volleyball and soccer, respectively. Since 2000, sports ambassadors have fostered the People to People mission of peace through understanding, using the camaraderie of sports to gain maturity and a greater connection to the people and cultures of the world.
“It was a very humbling experience. I used to think I was an amazing volleyball player, but after seeing the other girls play I realized there is always room for improvement,” said Harton. “My team consisted of two girls from Texas, two from Michigan, two from Rhode Island, one from Oregon, one from Iowa and me. We really became a family. I made a lot of new friends, and I learned a great deal about listening and communication with others.”
Each day, the ambassadors would get up early, eat breakfast, and board the tour bus for their daily activity, which could be anything from a sightseeing tour, to a bike ride, to shopping. It was during this time that students learned the most about Dutch culture and traditions. In the afternoons, they were focused on their sport.
“The Youth Friendship Games is basically a mini-Olympics for boys and girls ages 11-19," said Harton. "Each day, we would practice and compete against teams from around the world. After several hours of playing, we would go back to the hotel and have a break to call our parents or just relax before going to dinner.”
And even though the entire program lasted only 10 days, Harton said she will never forget the people she met, the cultural experiences she had, and the life lessons she learned as part of the Sports Ambassador Academy.
“I would definitely advise others to apply,” she said. “It’s an incredible experience.”
For more information about People to People and its programs, please visit www.studentambassadors.org.
“People to People is a foundation created by President Eisenhower in 1965 to foster peace and understanding among nations through direct communication,” said Harton. “Ambassadors are nominated by coaches, teachers or friends and selected based on their application, personal references, and an in-person interview with state leaders. When I found out I had been selected, I was ecstatic.”
Both Harton and Wilhoite were selected to participate in People to People’s Sports Ambassador Academy, where they would compete in volleyball and soccer, respectively. Since 2000, sports ambassadors have fostered the People to People mission of peace through understanding, using the camaraderie of sports to gain maturity and a greater connection to the people and cultures of the world.
“It was a very humbling experience. I used to think I was an amazing volleyball player, but after seeing the other girls play I realized there is always room for improvement,” said Harton. “My team consisted of two girls from Texas, two from Michigan, two from Rhode Island, one from Oregon, one from Iowa and me. We really became a family. I made a lot of new friends, and I learned a great deal about listening and communication with others.”
Each day, the ambassadors would get up early, eat breakfast, and board the tour bus for their daily activity, which could be anything from a sightseeing tour, to a bike ride, to shopping. It was during this time that students learned the most about Dutch culture and traditions. In the afternoons, they were focused on their sport.
“The Youth Friendship Games is basically a mini-Olympics for boys and girls ages 11-19," said Harton. "Each day, we would practice and compete against teams from around the world. After several hours of playing, we would go back to the hotel and have a break to call our parents or just relax before going to dinner.”
And even though the entire program lasted only 10 days, Harton said she will never forget the people she met, the cultural experiences she had, and the life lessons she learned as part of the Sports Ambassador Academy.
“I would definitely advise others to apply,” she said. “It’s an incredible experience.”
For more information about People to People and its programs, please visit www.studentambassadors.org.
