Michelle Kwan - U.S. Sports Envoy

The speakers are Michelle Kwan, champion figure skater, José Valladares, a Paralympics tennis trainer and U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Earl Anthony Wayne. They discuss cross cultural communication and the value of sports diplomacy.

The video was produced in March 2008 by America.gov.

Michelle Kwan: Trying to make a difference - I'm trying to make a connection with people all over the world. And that's, that's my main goal.

I've represented the United States in competitions for many years. But now, to represent the United States as an envoy - it's incredible.

I like to interact with students and young people - to share ideas and thoughts. I have learned a lot of things through my experience in sports. And I can tell them about dreaming, having dreams, working hard, teamwork, making mistakes, falling, and getting yourself back up.

You know, these things are universal; that they can apply in their lives to improve and to achieve their own goals and dreams.

José Valladares: The visit of Michelle Kwan here to Argentina, is really very significant for all our sport - our movement. Michelle really gave them a big, big support with her visit here.

Kwan: Hopefully they can learn a little bit about me and about the U.S. But, not only that, I'm learning so much about them. So, I take home something - a piece of Argentina, a piece of China, a piece of Russia.

Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne: So, when Michelle comes and goes out and meets people - actually connects with them - to them that's often the first American that they will have spent a lot of time with. And that does make a difference.

Valladares: Sport is the big, big diplomatic way to pull all people together. It's beyond all kind of political or economical barriers.

Kwan: I mean, what better way to unite the whole world through sports. So, I'm very proud of that. And, I hope that in the future, I will continue to do so.

Source: U.S. Department of State

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com

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