Special To The North Jefferson News



Alex Johnston, a bowling athlete and a student at Fultondale High School, has been accepted into the People to People Sports Ambassador Program.

In summer 2008, Johnston will train for 10 days in Haarlem, Holland, before competing as part of the Youth Friendship Games 2008.

As part of the program, he will explore Amsterdam with teammates from throughout the United States.

In addition to building athletic skills, Johnston can earn academic credit while getting to know the people, culture and history of the places visited.

He will take part in a variety of activities such as a community service project, exploring some of Amsterdam’s 500 miles of canals, visiting the Anne Frank house, riding bicycles through the ancient fishing village of Volendam.

Acceptance into the Sports Ambassador Program is an honor.

The international competition and education program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

After being invited to apply, Johnston submitted references and participated in a successful interview with program coaches and leaders. Before departing, he will attend orientation meetings with a local coordinator and coaches to prepare for the journey.

Johnston will be met overseas and accompanied by a team of experienced coaches and teacher-leaders.

The athletic delegation will be escorted by a local delegation manager who coordinates the cultural and recreational excursions and is very familiar with local customs.

President Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency with citizen leaders including entertain Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, amusement entrepreneur Walt Disney and Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall.

Having served as a military commander, Eisenhower believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could make a difference where governments could not. People to People Student Ambassador Programs is based in Spokane, Washington, and has been coordinating the educational travel programs for nearly 50 years.