Beyond the Scoreboard

by Brittany Stroop

Some things in life transcend time and distance. At the heart of humanity is the desire to be seen for who we are and find a place we can call our own. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, a Hartwick delegation witnessed firsthand how sports can become a vehicle to create a safe space for self-expression, connection and diversity.

In the fall, a collaboration between Hartwick’s Center for Global Education and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs Sports Diplomacy Division, led a group of volleyball coaches, players and social media influencers from Thailand to Hartwick, as part of P.H. International’s Sport for Social Change program.

While in Oneonta, the participants attended clinics and seminars, and visited community partners with two goals in mind: to learn more about U.S. coaching practices and determine how to use volleyball to foster LGBTQIA+ community inclusion — with women, particularly—in Southern Thailand. The group used the knowledge gained during their visit to create engagement programs at home to promote inclusivity.

As part of the grant’s bilateral arrangement, a contingent — including student-athletes, coaches and staff from Hartwick and youth leaders from the Oneonta community — made a reciprocal trip to Thailand to learn, experience and share.