Events
"American Spirit" Independence Day Event
Rydhave, Ambassador's Residence
June 29, 2006
On June 29 US Ambassador, James P. Cain combined the launch of a new diplomatic initiative aimed at using sports as a tool to promote integration, democracy and good citizenship with a traditional American Independence Day Celebration at his private residence, Rydhave.
The full-day, two-part program, began with about 100 children from the Mjølnerparken area of Nørrebro as well as young, Danish American Football Federation enthusiasts meeting with sports stars including Ben Watson (New England Patriots), Dan Morgan (Carolina Panthers) NBA Hall of Famer, George "the Iceman" Gervin, Women's Olympic basketball gold medalist, Carla McGhee and Denmark's own Morten Andersen. In addition, the children were invited to test their skills on specially provided hands-on training equipment that included NBA Pop-A-Shot and Sling-shot machines as well as an NFL Slap-shot and NFL Quarterback Challenge apparatus.
This event signaled the start of a ground-breaking US Embassy initiative that will involve reaching out to ethnically diverse communities throughout Denmark. Supported by, among others, the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) the National Hockey League (NHL) and working in close cooperation with the Danish Integration Ministry and Danish street basketball organization, GAM3, the US Embassy plans a number of special sports-related initiatives starting with coaching sessions including Francisco Elson (Denver Nuggets) and Andrea Stinson (Detroit Shock) during the coming week.
In further celebration of the American Spirit, Ambassador Cain opened his doors to over 1500 guests who, in addition to meeting with the American stars, were invited try out the sports equipment and enjoy the hospitality provided by sponsors.
Speaking at the evening event, US Ambassador, James P. Cain commented: "Tonight we celebrate America's founding, we honor our relationship with Denmark and we launch a new sports diplomacy initiative. Sports provides a unique tool to reach across barriers of culture, race, ethnicity and gender. It can build bridges where formal international diplomacy is blocked. Participation in sports nurtures attitudes of tolerance, compassion, teamwork and respect for the rule of law. These are values America and Denmark share, along with others across the globe who yearn for freedom and security."
The American Spirit celebration was concluded by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Øresund.
Click here for the Ambassador's remarks at the event.
Click here for American Spirit photo gallery.