TOPICS
TOPICS
State Department negotiates to bring soccer to Iraq
Expect a hail of soccer balls where bombs had dropped.
At least 18,000 black-and-white balls are on their way to Iraq, to be distributed to schools and youth teams throughout the ravaged country.
To keep the American government's fingerprints off the soccer-for-peace initiative, the State Department is negotiating with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to coordinate it. Within a week or two, the foundation and Major League Soccer intend to set up a fund to collect money to send soccer "kits" - corner flags and other equipment - to Iraq.
Still in the planning stages is a U.S.-Iraqi match between all-star or professional teams (although it may have to take place in a safer locale, such as Kuwait).
This do-gooding venture in Iraq may eventually be tried in 10 to 12 predominantly Muslim countries.
"Sports as a tool for public diplomacy," said Herb Giobbi, the foundation's executive director.
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.