Karachi – U.S. Consul General Brian Heath hosted a baseball clinic for English Access students at his residence. Sindh Baseball Association President Mohsin Khan and well-known baseball personalities Amir Saleem, Jawad Ali, Shakeel Ahmed and Nadeem Zaheer attended as did U.S. Consulate Cultural Attaché Adam Jagelski.
The baseball players and coaches guided and trained 30 boys on the basic techniques of the game. After the sports clinic, a mini-scrimmage allowed the boys to put the skills they had learned into practice.
“Baseball is, perhaps, the sport most closely associated with America, where it remains popular with people of all ages,” said U.S. Consul General Brian Heath. “Pairing these enthusiastic boys with some of Pakistan’s greatest baseball players and coaches is an opportunity to learn more about the game and each other, while having a lot of fun.” said Mr. Heath.
“Sports can play a very important role in a young person’s life,” said Ms. Lo. “We wanted this to be an occasion to also recognize the major contribution of the volunteers and coaches that serve as such important role models and mentors in their communities,” she said.
U.S. Consulate General Karachi organizes sports diplomacy events to promote friendly relations and increased understanding between Pakistanis and Americans. For more information on U.S. government cultural and educational activities, please visit www.eca.state.gov or visit the Consulate’s web site at https://pk.usembassy.gov/
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs funds the English Access Microscholarship Program. The Access program in Pakistan is among the world’s largest. Since its inception in 2004, more than 95,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated. Access provides a foundation of English-language skills to talented 13-18 year-olds from economically disadvantaged areas through after-school classes and intensive enrichment activities. Participants gain skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects; they can also compete for and participate in future exchanges and study programs in the United States.
