Kids Play’s Cross Cultural Exchange Program

Kids Play International partners with U.S. State Department to promote gender equality through sport

Logos

2

Kids Play International is excited to announce our two-way  international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  This cross cultural exchange brings eight of KPI’s Rwandan coaches to Park City, Utah from June 16-26, 2016.  Our goal is to strengthen our coaches capacity to be better conversation coaches through cross cultural activities and discussions with Olympians, local youth and coaches about how sport and the Olympic values can challenge harmful global gender stereotypes.

Our activities include; 1)  improving critical thinking skills and creating deeper conversations about gender equality between our coaches and kids in our program in Rwanda 2) increase coaches ability to better identify and challenge harmful gender norms 3) why gender inclusion and girls’ rights through sport are important and how to include boys in this conversation.  4) what do the Olympics and the Olympic values stand for and what are the disparities we still experience between men and women in sport 5) improve coaching skills and ability to link sport to gender equity lessons.  

The international exchange program is a part of SportsUnited, ECA’s Division devoted to sports diplomacy as a tool to increase dialogue and cultural understanding between people around the world.

GET INVOLVED

Join Us for Cocktails and Conversation on June 23, 2016. Cocktails & Conversation Invite 

RSVP by June 10th toTracy@kidsplayintl.org  

Come Join Us for our Speaker and Panel Discussion in Park City, UT on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Temple Har Shalom.  RSVP HEREKPI_Flyer_0506 LR

 

KPI founder and 3x Olympian Tracy Evans shares her thoughts on what the US State Department exchange grant means to KPI:

 What is the goal of the first Olympic Day Exchange in Park City in June?

The upcoming 10 day exchange will be the first time a group of coaches from Gatagara, Rwanda comes to Park City with the goal to strengthen their understanding of using sport and the Olympic values as tools to promote gender equality.  We have an incredibly robust and dynamic agenda that includes elements of cultural learning as well as tactical communication sessions. They will take these lessons and apply them to the Let’s Play Fair program that runs year round in Gatagara, Rwanda.

Tell us more about the topics to be discussed during the panel titled Using Sport to Promote Gender Equality: How Boys and Girls Can Create Social Change Together.

Sport and gender expert Sarah Murray from Women Win along with some incredible Olympians, coaches and sport and gender educators will explore some of the obstacles girls face around the world today, how sport can be a useful tool to overcoming those barriers and why boys are an important part of the conversation.  We encourage audiences to join the conversation around the timely discussion of gender equality and sport; examine the unconscious biases women still face today in America and in developing countries.  Additionally, learn how Olympic values, coaching, mentorship and increased awareness between boys and girls can create real social change at home and abroad.

What local partners will be supporting your efforts in Park City?

KPI is incredibly grateful for the generous support of the sport community in Park City.  I am especially thankful to:  US Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, Utah Olympic Park, Park City Soccer Club, Westminster College and the National Ability Center for hosting our exchange activities throughout the week and providing us with some wonderful and inspirational youth for our coaches to interact with in our community.

What is in store for the 2017 Exchange in Rwanda?

This international exchange will be reciprocated in June 2017 in Rwanda. KPI will bring a delegation of Olympic athletes and KPI supporters to celebrate Olympic Day and the grand opening of KPI’s Equality Learning Center and Field of Opportunity.  This will be a monumental moment in KPI’s history and one I am excited to experience with our delegation and the entire Gatagara, Rwanda community.  This exchange and volunteer trip is also open to individuals who would like to travel with KPI and the Olympic athletes for this unique experience.  (Cost is approximately $5000, does not include airfare)  If you would like more information please email: Tracy@kidsplayintl.org