WASHINGTON, D.C. /eNewsChannels/ — Two-time Olympic medalist and five-time world champion Michelle Kwan will travel to Singapore January 9-15, 2011 on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As a U.S. public diplomacy envoy, Kwan will conduct three skating clinics, engage with several groups of students, as well as meet with the Singapore National Olympic Committee and senior-level government officials from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth, and Sports. This is Michelle Kwan’s sixth trip abroad on behalf of the Department.
Kwan, the most decorated female ice skater in American history, will visit with and read to elementary school students as part of the National Library Board’s kidsREAD Club. In addition, she will meet with students from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Hwa Chong High School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and the Republic Polytechnic.
SportsUnited is the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ premier sports exchange program at the U.S. Department of State. Athletes and coaches in various sports are chosen to conduct clinics, visit schools, and speak to youth overseas. The American athletes and coaches conduct drills and team building activities, as well as engage the youth in a dialogue on the importance of an education, positive health practices and respect for diversity. Since 2005, SportsUnited has sent over 100 U.S. athletes to 40 countries to participate in sports envoy programs.
