Sports diplomacy is a powerful catalyst for positive social change, breaking down barriers, and fostering global connections. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies, war in Ukraine continues, and local political discourse devolves, Utah leaders will discuss how sports can build relationships, create mutual understanding and cultivate peace. Leaders will also explore the economic opportunities generated by local and international sports events such as the Olympic games, which welcomed the world to Utah and created unprecedented economic activity.
WHO:
Speakers will include:
- Abby Cox, Utah’s First Lady and Founder of the Show Up Initiative
- Catherine Raney Norman, Olympian and Chair, Salt Lake City – Utah Committee for the Games
- Adam Miles, Founder and Executive Director of Refugee Soccer
- Andy Chesnut, General Manager & Chief Commercial Officer Warriors Rugby
- Danelle Umstead, Sisters in Sports Foundation
- Dr. Neftalie Williams, Sociologist and Assistant Professor at San Diego State University
- Tiffany Shwartz, USAT Off-Road Duathlon National Champion
- Felecia Maxfield-Barrett, President & CEO, Utah Global Diplomacy
WHEN: Thursday November 9, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 355 West 3100 South, West Valley City, UT 84119
BACKGROUND:
Sports diplomacy is about harnessing the power of sports to create positive social change, forge international connections, and foster unity. Imagine the potential for economic growth that sports tourism, the Olympic movement, and strategic policies can bring to Utah and beyond. This event will increase awareness and dialogue around sports diplomacy as leading experts demonstrate how sports can be used as a tool for international cooperation and collaboration.
ABOUT UTAH GLOBAL DIPLOMACY:
Utah Global Diplomacy is committed to promoting respect and understanding between the people of Utah and other nations. This is done through citizen diplomacy – the concept that every individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations by connecting with each other one handshake at a time. Utah Global Diplomacy applies citizen diplomacy efforts through its International Exchange Programs (in partnership with the U.S. State Department), World Affairs Lectures, Dialogues, & Conversations, and its Young Diplomats of Utah program. You can join Utah Global Diplomacy’s community and conversations at www.utahglobaldiplomacy.org or by emailing [email protected].
