This preparation is vital for tomorrow's adults if they are to direct the path our nations will follow in the twenty-first century. The rapid changes expected in the next millennium place new demands on the relationships between nations. For the citizens of many countries, economic uncertainties, political tensions, and cultural barriers make international understanding seem an elusive goal. Although the primary focus of the Sports Ambassadors program is the actual international competition, every sports event we promote places a strong emphasis on providing each team member with an educational experience. Student-athletes enrich their education through learning in the global classroom, and develop a new sense of personal responsibility and maturity while being challenged as athletes and leaders.
Personal development is an important part of the program experience.
Student-athletes exercise the personal leadership skills of goal setting, planning, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork. People to People programs enable student-athletes to express their viewpoints, develop new friendships, and increase their understanding of the differences and similarities among people of different nations. A Sports Ambassador's contribution to world understanding does not end when he or she returns home. A school becomes internationalized, coaches and athletes gain wider perspectives as citizens, and the community opens a significant and personal window on the world. The People to People experience also continues to have a positive effect on student-athletes' academic endeavors.