February 8, 2008

A Jordanian student hangs above the rest of the group at the ropes course.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, a division of the U.S. Department of State, brought 13 Jordanians to the U.S. for ten days in January for a SportsUnited Visitor Program. The group of five boys and five girls aged 13 to 15, one female Physical Education coach, and two representatives of the Ministry of Education spent ten days in the Washington, D.C. area learning about the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, meeting young people, and playing sports.

During their visit to the mid-Atlantic region, the delegation interacted with faculty and students at all levels. The youth trained with athletes from American University’s men’s and women’s soccer and swimming teams and learned about promoting healthy lifestyles from Dr. Robert Karch, Director of the International Institute for Health Promotion. At Magruder High School the group spent the day with American high school students, comparing experiences over lunch and at an exciting basketball game won in the last seconds against the school’s arch-rivals. At Hollywood Elementary School the group participated in Presidential Fitness testing with fifth-graders who were amazed at the athleticism of their older counterparts.

During the program’s second week, the delegation traveled to the University of Delaware, where they were joined by students from Brandywine High School. The group was taught the basics of lacrosse by the men’s lacrosse team, participated in yoga and spinning classes, and scaled an indoor rock-climbing wall.  During lunch the students spent time with the Muslim Student Organization while the professionals met with athletic coaches, the Athletic Director, a representative from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, and representatives from the Delaware State Department of Education.

The delegation also had a chance to participate in activities beyond the scope of schools.  In Baltimore, Maryland, the group participated in a road race hosted by the Baltimore Road Runners Club, attended a professional indoor soccer match, and visited a bull riding competition. They saw the ocean at Assateague Island National Seashore, tested their limits on a rope course, and spoke with kids their own age about life back home. The delegation returned to Jordan with a better understanding of the United States and the enthusiasm and know-how to involve their friends and families in physical fitness.

The trip was very successful and fruitful.  The students were engaged with American youths and adults in the areas of physical education and recreation.  The entire group received a deeper understanding of American culture and a greater appreciation for the important role of mutual respect, physical fitness and activities play in the United States.
- Samer ‘Mohammed Khair’ Rasalan Al-Kasih, Project Manager