America.gov-Sports: Introduction

2008 Games Could Mark “Strike Three” for Baseball in Olympics

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:46 GMT

The 2008 Summer Games may be the last time baseball is played in the Olympics. Baseball will be eliminated starting in 2012, but supporters are hopeful for its return in 2016. Eight baseball teams will take part in the Beijing Olympic Games August 13-23 at the specially built Wukesong Baseball Field.

Sports Exchanges with Iran Build Bridges

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:17:28 GMT

In the run-up to the Olympics, the State Department brings to the United States two Iranian national teams, the table tennis and basketball teams, to practice and compete in the United States as part of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Baseball, Once Just an American Game, Extends Reach Worldwide

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:26:31 GMT

When major league baseball introduced the “World Series” in 1903, the name was an exercise in hyperbole. The sport was strictly American in nature, and the bulk of players and managers were U.S. natives. But as the game has grown in popularity around the world and international superstars develop, the “World” aspect has become a reality.

Americans Passionate, Patriotic About Olympic Games

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:25:53 GMT

Americans will closely follow the 2008 Olympic Games in China from August 8 to 24, Olympic experts tell America.gov. The allure of playing on a world stage and “cultural pride” is attracting top U.S. athletes, such as basketball stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, to compete in the Olympics.

Sports Films Make Strong Showing at U.S. Film Festival

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:04:11 GMT

Sports films make a strong showing at Silverdocs, one of America’s most respected documentary film festivals, with two films on the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. Other films look at a baseball team in Israel, women’s football (soccer) in the United States and Iran, and a football competition for homeless men.

Watching Soccer: a Popular U.S. Pastime

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:23:32 GMT

Summers Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, is a football institution. It was voted the best soccer bar in the United States in 2002 by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Manager Joe Javidara has been showing soccer matches there since the bar’s inception in 1984.

A Conversation with a Top Paralympics Track Athlete

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:41:17 GMT

April Holmes, who lost part of a leg in a train accident, is an extremely busy athlete, speaker and director of the April Holmes Foundation (developed to promote more opportunities for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities). She was able to provide us with a snapshot of what it is like being a Paralympian.

Trailblazing African Americans Enriched the Sport of Tennis

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:14:46 GMT

Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson were trailblazing African-American athletes. Their skill and determination opened up new areas for athletic achievement by African Americans. Their breakthrough achievements in tennis and their lives beyond the court are an example to future generations.

Stanley Cup Is a Hockey Tradition

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:15:50 GMT

Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom was the first European captain to lead an NHL team to victory in the Stanley Cup finals. The victorious captain will take the Stanley Cup back to Sweden as part of a traditional day with the cup accorded to each player from the winning team.

Children's Sport Gains Popularity as Adult Game and Social Event

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:36:07 GMT

A decade ago, some friends in their 20s decided it would be fun to play one of their favorite childhood games -- kickball. The group found a few others interested in playing kickball as well, and the World Adult Kickball Association was born. Today, the organization has more than 49,000 members.

Asian Americans First Won Olympic Gold 60 Years Ago

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:12:23 GMT

In 1948 in London, Sammy Lee and Victoria Manalo-Draves became the first Asian-American athletes to win gold medals at the Summer Olympics. Overcoming discrimination to train and compete, the two paved the way for the many Asian-American Olympic athletes who would follow.

U.S. Skater Calls Lessons of Being a Champion Athlete Universal

Ralph Dannheisser — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:58:32 GMT

U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan came to Beijing to share her experiences as a champion figure skater with Chinese students in the hope of making a difference in their lives. She told them what she learned on the ice is universal: hard work, discipline and dedication.