"Sports for Social Change" exchange program

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming "Sports for Social Change" exchange program, scheduled to take place this year in mid-October in the United States.

About the program:

In cooperation with the Department of State and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, PH International will recruit 10 Latvian participants for the Sport for Social Change (SSC) Program. This program will provide athletes, coaches, influencers, and community sports leaders the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and to examine leadership development and community engagement through sport during a 10-day hockey exchange in the United States of America. Furthermore, this program will provide participants with hands-on learning, interactive group and peer-to-peer activities, site visits, and community service experience to develop leadership abilities. Through this SSC program, participants will get a better understanding of how they can become active members of society and be more involved in their communities through sports.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

· Improve the individual knowledge and skills of athletes and coaches and deliver programs addressing key themes;

· Highlight grassroots ice hockey programs within the U.S. and abroad;

· Strengthen the capacity of organizations and institutions in the U.S. and abroad to implement and measure effectiveness of sport and social change programs in their communities.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

· A citizen of the Republic of Latvia;

· Must have a Passport which is valid through April of 2025;

· Never traveled to the U.S. before;

· Must be willing to demonstrate leadership potential in application;

· Must be involved in Ice Hockey;

· Must be residing in Latvia at the time of the application process and through the end of 2024;

· Adult applicants must be non-student and over the age of 23 years old;

· Must return to the Republic of Latvia upon completion of program;

· Must participate in pre-departure Webinar series;

· Complete community project upon return to Latvia.

The program will cover: