Turkish, Armenian youth team up for basketball exchange

Two dozen Armenian and Turkish teens will have the opportunity to train under former NBA player George Mureşan during a sports exchange program August 19-29 in Turkey. The International Sports Programming Initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Sports United project and organized by the nonprofit World Learning organization, Embassy of U.S. to Armenia reported.

“Interscholastic sports help young people build confidence and learn about leadership and teamwork, values that are critical to achieving success in life and in the classroom,” said Adam Weinberg, World Learning president and CEO. “World Learning is excited to be part of a program that will help unlock the potential of these young men and women.”

The program kicks off with a one-week sports camp in Oren, Turkey, where the students and their coaches will learn about youth leadership and inter-cultural communications while participating in sports activities. The second week takes the participants to Izmir to play exhibition games, attend the first day of the FIBA World Basketball Championship, and take part in the neighborhood basketball clinic with Mureşan.

In January 2011, the same Turkish and Armenian program participants will travel to the United States to train and play basketball alongside American counterparts. The United States has one of the most developed interscholastic sports programs in the world, with millions of young people representing their schools and competing in a variety of sports every year.

“This program highlights how sports can bring us together to enjoy a common passion and make our differences insignificant in comparison. We hope that the understanding and mutual respect shared by these young athletes will serve Turkey and Armenia well as neighbors and foster a brighter future for both countries,” said Charge d’Affaires Bruce Donahue of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.