ENVESTin the World

Rome City Institute is Italy’s premier institution, uniquely blending international education with the opportunity to play competitive sports at a high level. There are almost 400 master's students studying sport management (much like VCU Center for Sport Leadership)
Our group was treated to a lecture by Antonio Cincotta (Italina Head Coach) about AI and sports leadership + talk with american students in Italy
Special Olympics Virginia
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Jacob's Chance

As we travel throughout Italy, we are becoming aware that not only do they love soccer but many throughout the country are using the sport to improve lives and communities. In Rome, our delegation heard from members of the Italian delegation who visited the U.S.back in Oct.
Daniele talked about their work at Universita Foro Italico while Enrico shared the story behind Crazy for Football, a celebrated documentary about an Italian futsal team made up of psychiatric patients.
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Special Olympics Virginia
Jacob's Chance

Our delegation visited Coverciano, home to the Italian National Team one of the most famous soccer training centers in the world. Not only is it "The Home of the Azzuri" but it is know throughout Italy as "The University of Football" for the variety of training and programming they offer to coaches, players and officials.
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Special Olympics Virginia
Jacob's Chance

Our delegation had quite a thrill before tonight’s match between Juventus and Lazio. The group met Italian soccer legend Giorgio Chiellin who spoke about his work with and the power of sport. The U.S. delegation got a tour of Allianz Stadium before settling in to watch an entertaining 2-2 draw.

When you have a busy day planned, why not start it off by learning to make gelato! Our delegation had a fun and delicious visit to Alberto Marchetti Gelaterie a sponsor of Insuperabili

Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
Special Olympics Virginia
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Jacob's Chance
PH International (Project Harmony)

Our main program partner in Italy is Insuperabili an amazing organization that uses soccer as a tool for socialization and inclusion. It's aimed at people with cognitive, relational, affective-emotional, behavioral, physical, motor, and sensory disabilities.
We visited their HQ for a workshop and watch a training session with some of the young people they serve. The work of Davide Leonardi and his team is inspiring and we are proud to have them as partners and friends.
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
Special Olympics Virginia
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
PH International (Project Harmony)

Padel is an extremely popular sport throughout Europe. It's commonly played in doubles on an enclosed, glass-and-mesh court about one-third the size of a tennis court. Inclusive padel for adaptive sport athletes was the focus on this morning's session in Milan led by Bionic People
This organization, much like all of the stakeholders participating in this exchange, believes sport should be accessible to all citizens.
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
PH International (Project Harmony)
Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Special Olympics Virginia
Jacob's Chance

Phase 2 of ENVEST Italy is underway!
Back in October, 10 coaches and sports professionals from Italy who work with athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities visited the U.S. for 2 weeks of training and professional development.
On Thursday, the U.S. delegation arrived in Milan for part 2 of this sports diplomacy mission to create cultural understanding through sport.
The U.S delegation consists of stakeholders from VCU Center for Sport Leadership Special Olympics Virginia Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation Jacob's Chance and of course our friends at PH International (Project Harmony)
After some travels delays out of New York, the U.S. delegation arrived in Milan and immediately got to work, holding their first gathering at BMW's Headquarters in Italy. They are a sponsor of Insuperabili one of the Italian stakeholders. Stay connected for more updates!
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

One of the most enjoyable experiences of the trip was the delegation spending the morning with the graduate students from VCU Center for Sport Leadership
After a lecture on Sport & Inclusion by CSL alum Kate Ward, the group participated in Goal Ball, a popular sport for athletes with visual impairments.
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
PH International (Project Harmony)
Insuperabili

Our friends at Sportable - Richmond Adaptive Sports & Recreation and Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority hosted the 2024 & 2025 National Wheelchair Basketball Championships at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. The Italian delegation visited the venue to learn about the event and try out the sport wheelchairs used in the competition.
Later that evening, the coaches watched a Sportable Wheelchair Basketball practice.
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
PH International (Project Harmony)
Insuperabili

As the trip winds down, these groups shots illustrate how much everyone involved with this exchange enjoyed the experience and each other.
Thanks to Special Olympics Virginia board members Michael & Judy Saxon for hosting dinner at their home on the delegations last night.
Shout out to CSL Executive Director Carrie LeCrom for coordinating another successful exchange.
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State
Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State
VCU Center for Sport Leadership
PH International (Project Harmony)
Insuperabili