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Kwan Makes Connection in Argentina

Michelle Kwan works with a young skater at a skating clinic in Buenos Aires.

World champion figure skater Michelle Kwan’s week-long visit to Argentina, sponsored by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, was filled with high-impact programs that reached a broad cross section of youth, athletes, trainers, educators, government officials, community leaders and non-government organizations (NGOs). 

In Buenos Aires Michelle was accompanied by Ambassador Wayne for a meeting at the headquarters of Club Independiente soccer team where she addressed a packed auditorium of over 300 athletes, trainers, coaches and educators, provided two skating clinics, and worked with Special Olympics and Para Olympic athletes.  In the province of Santa Fe, the Department of State's first American Public Diplomacy Envoy was welcomed by the Minister of Education and the Secretary of Sports.  Later, Michelle met with athletes from the School for the Deaf and spoke to a packed auditorium of some 350 young athletes from local schools and sports clubs. Kwan carried her message of hope to women and children who are making a difference in their barrios working with NGO “Los Sin Techos” ("Those without Roofs") and then with youngsters at their new computer center, emphasizing to them the importance of staying in school and finishing their education.

Michelle Kwan with part of the Club Independiente soccer team

Michelle's meeting with 80 young adults in a Buenos Aires Drug Rehabilitation Center was one of several highly moving moments during her visit as her message resonated with young people working to regain control of their lives. Their questions underscored that Michelle inspired them to continue to reach for their dreams through -- as she said -- self-discipline, hard work, and education.  Ambassador Wayne noted after this visit, “The kids loved Michelle and her message.  The center had prepared by downloading videos from YouTube, so they knew about her and were eager to listen.  Many had tears in their eyes at different points as she spoke.” 

Michelle’s message did not only resonate with her young audiences.  Reporters also remarked favorably on U.S. Embassy efforts to reach and help young people across the socio-economic spectrum in Argentina.   As one reporter told the Ambassador during a press opportunity, “Life is full of surprises and the fact that you have brought Michelle here to speak and bring hope to this group

U.S. Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne, Michelle Kwan and Julio Comparada, President of Club Independiente

tells me something very new and different about the U.S.”  Indeed the Public Diplomacy Envoy stunned the media with her lecture and outreach tour throughout Argentina.  Her speeches on youth leadership at sports centers and her skating clinics were featured on all major television stations.  In addition, reports on her activities appeared in all major Buenos Aires newspapers, over a dozen provincial papers and on numerous radio shows. Moreover, Michelle was the featured guest in an hour long top television talk show in Santa Fe.  Ms. Kwan has not only distinguished herself for her unprecedented athletic excellence, but she has also achieved stunning success in Argentina with her inspiring message about working hard to achieve one's dreams.

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