Yesterday, as part of its Diplomacy Now series, WorldBoston hosted a discussion on sports diplomacy, highlighting how sport can serve as a powerful tool in international relations. Bringing together distinguished representatives from across the diverse world of sports diplomacy, the event explored how sport can act as a bridge across borders. Each of the speakers highlighted how sport can provide an environment that fosters trust, cultural understanding, and long-term relationships.
The event began with an insightful keynote from Shannon Sprenger, Deputy Secretary of State (DAS). In the State Department, DAS Sprenger oversees the Office of Sports Diplomacy. In her keynote address, DAS Sprenger emphasized how the United States integrates sport into its broader diplomatic strategy. She described sport as a starting point for engagement, one that can open the door to political, economic, and cultural dialogue. Drawing on Boston as an example, she highlighted how the city’s identity, rooted in resilience and sportsmanship, makes it a natural space for this kind of diplomacy.
The fireside chat with Sally Roberts, Sports Envoy and Co-Founder and CEO of Wrestle Like A Girl, moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Mark Libby, WorldBoston Ambassador-in-Residence, focused on her experience as a Sports Envoy and the role sport can play as an emotional anchor, particularly for women and girls in communities where participation is discouraged. Through examples such as wrestling initiatives in countries where perceptions of the U.S. are often negative, Roberts showed how sport can create unexpected points of connection. Her experiences also highlighted how athletes and public figures can use their platforms to build trust and advocate for inclusion, even in politically sensitive environments.
The final discussion with Dave Fortier, Founder and President of the One World Strong Foundation, and Sarah Sibley, President & COO of WorldBoston, centered on the role of sport in healing and community building. Through the work of One World Strong, survivors of mass casualty events, including those affected by conflict in Ukraine, are brought together through shared athletic experiences. Initiatives such as inviting survivors to Boston during the Marathon demonstrate how sport can provide a universal language for connection and recovery. As emphasized throughout the discussion, sport is simple and one of the most effective ways to connect, even in times of tragedy.
Overall, the event reinforced the growing relevance of sports diplomacy today. By creating spaces for connection, trust, and healing, sport continues to stand out as one of the most accessible and effective tools in international engagement.
