2014 is the year of soccer in Brazil, but it was baseball that opened the sports season for the U.S. Consulate São Paulo. From January 11 to 18, the cities of Londrina, Presidente Prudente, Tupã, Marilia, Lins, São José dos Campos and São Paulo hosted baseball clinics, as part of a program organized by the Consulate in partnership with Major League Baseball and the Brazilian Baseball Confederation.
American coaches Elias Sosa and Jay Quinn and the Brazilian Thiago Caldeira conducted highly interactive three-hour clinics for boys and girls aged 6 to 15, who learned the fundamentals of hitting, pitching and fielding. MLB coach Elias Sosa also talked to the family members and coaches about the importance and their role in fostering a positive attitude and supporting the kids to accomplish their goals.
The program also featured EducationUSA presentations at Binational Center in each city, about studying in the US and athletic scholarships, which were followed by a conversation with MLB coach Jay Quinn, who shared his experiences, both as a student athlete and as a college coach.
This program highlights Mission public diplomacy efforts to use sports as tool promote American culture and social inclusion, as well as emphasizes how beneficial the combination of sports and education can be to help youth fulfill their potential.
For more pictures of the program, clik here.
