ECA hosted 14 teenage athletes—seven boys and seven girls—and two coaches from Brazil in the U.S. for a basketball exchange from February 6 to 18, 2013. The young players are involved in Shooting Stars, a Consulate São Paulo program that provides English language instruction, basketball training, and leadership workshops to students in São Paulo’s urban areas.

After their experience in Washington, D.C., the delegation participated in NBA community service activities and sports events surrounding the NBA All-Star games in Houston, TX.

The group learned about sports in the U.S. by engaging in basketball clinics with American peers at local schools and organizations and taking part in educational sessions on nutrition, conflict resolution, and disability sports. With a focus on youth empowerment and respect for diversity throughout the program, the exchange highlighted how hard work applies in sports and academics. The young “stars” interacted closely with their American counterparts and created ties that will last across continents.