Luanda – Continuous support and training of young people for them to develop academic and leadership competences dominated the sports programme promoted by the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) in Angola, aiming at spreading the sport in communities.
Speaking Friday to ANGOP, in Luanda, at the closing ceremony of the programme, in Vila Club pavillion, the chargé a’affaires of the USA Embassy, James Story, emphasised the growth and strength of young people in sports, entrepreneurship and education.
He explained that the sports diplomacy programmes promote resolution of conflicts, incentivise inclusion in communities and contribute to socio-economic development.
Dubbed “The Pass for a brilliant future”, the event was intended to reinforce sportive, cultural and diplomatic relations between Angola and the USA. To this end, two North American personalities are in Angola, namely Malcom Lemmons and Sheryl Swoopes, to guide sports activities and deliver lectures on the transformative role of sports in communities.
Malcom Lemmons is a former basketball player and founder of Vetted Sports (a multimédia platform).
Sheryl Swoopes is also a former basketball player and founding member of WNBA (women’s basketball association).
During their stay in Luanda, the two experts have so far led four clinics, having trained 200 athletes from various clubs, whose ages range from 14 to 20 years.
The USA Embassy has thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for joining the programme and facilitating the training process.
IN/MC/jmc
