George Washington University Athletics
GW Athletics, U.S. State Dept. Host Lebanese Student Delegation
9/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Sept. 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC -- The George Washington University Athletics Department and the U.S. Department of State, in conjunction with Delphi International, teamed up to host a delegation of Lebanese students Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center. The purpose of the visit was to further the students' cultural learning experience during a two-hour clinic conducted by GW men's basketball assistant coach Roland Houston and GW women's basketball assistant coach Ali Jaques.
Houston, who drew from own his international experience having lived and played professionally overseas for 13 years, said the emphasis was on leadership and the desire to learn about the American culture.
"The young people from Lebanon were very receptive and open to learning about teamwork, leadership, diversity and conflict resolution while also working basketball skills," Houston said.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) created the program called SportsUnited as part of the U.S. State Department's public diplomacy. The group of 12 Lebanese students, boys and girls ages 14-16, are participating in the U.S. Department of State's Educational and Cultural Affairs SportsUnited Program as part of the students' participation in a two-week exchange program. The purpose of the program is to teach the participants about cultural tolerance within the framework of athletic cultural and educational activities.
In addition to its visit to GW, the group has visited the FIBA Americas basketball qualifier in Las Vegas, as well as two local high schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, DC.
