International Sports Programming Initiative

International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI)

PH International is an implementing partner of the U.S. Department of State’s International Sports Programming Initiative which aims to promote inclusion through sport, and encourage resource-sharing and best practices between U.S. grassroots sports organizations and their counterparts abroad.

The exchange objectives are to:

  1. Improve the individual knowledge and skills of young athletes and coaches and deliver programs addressing key themes (youth leadership, social inclusion for marginalized populations and community development).
  2. Highlight sports within the U.S. and abroad
  3. Capacity-building at home and abroad to implement and measure effectiveness of sport and social change programs in their communities

These two-way (reciprocal) exchange programs promote coaching and administrative skills, foster connections with relevant U.S. sports organizations, and empower youth influencers to create more inclusive and effective sports initiatives in their home countries. 

Current Programs

Latvia – Youth Leadership (Ice Hockey), Bulgaria – Unified Sports, United Kingdom – Women’s Empowerment (Soccer), Mongolia – Women’s Empowerment (Rugby), People’s Republic of China – Women’s Empowerment (Ice Hockey), Micronesia – Women’s Empowerment (Sports Administration), Nepal – Adaptive Sports, Ecuador – Youth Violence Prevention (Soccer)

Past Programs – grouped by theme

Youth Leadership: Kosovo (Baseketball), Moldova (Soccer/ American Football), Russia (Basketball), Ukraine (Basketball), Serbia & Croatia (Basketball), Bangladesh (Volleyball), Kazakhstan (Ice Hockey), Uzbekistan (Basketball), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Soccer), North Macedonia (Volleyball), Brazil (Martial Arts),

Adaptive Sports: Georgia (Parafencing), Montenegro (Swimming), Romania (Wheelchair Basketball),

Women’s Empowerment: – Armenia (Basketball), Azerbaijan (Wrestling), Nicaragua (Soccer)

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: Thailand (Volleyball)