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Ballin' in Holland
Adam Zuerndorfer, Sports Writer Sara Spencer is on her way to the land of windmills, canals and Anne Frank. South Caldwell’s rising junior was selected as one of the People to People Sports Ambassadors and will spend 10 days overseas in Amsterdam. Spencer will compete alongside peers as a United States representative in the Youth Friendship Games in Holland from July 19-28. “It’s going to be really cool,” Spencer said Wednesday. “It should be a great experience.” Ambassadors had to be nominated in order to receive an invitation to the event. Spencer doesn’t know who nominated her, but she’s glad it happened. Afterward, she had to successfully navigate a rigorous interview process to become eligible. “I’m excited,” she said. “At first, I was just kind of curious. But once I found out what it was all about, I knew I really wanted to do this. I think it will be unbelievable.” The People to People program, started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, has a goal to “promote peace through understanding.” The competition is as much about developing high-character individuals as it is about showcasing high-quality athletics. The People to People Web site identifies the organization’s mission of “bridging cultural and political borders throughout education and exchange, making the world a better place for future generations.” Participants are expected to “develop self-awareness, a sense of belonging and a greater awareness of their significance in the global community.” Spencer, who plays basketball, softball and golf at South Caldwell, received letters of recommendation from coaches Jeff Parham, Moira Brookshire and Robby Shelby in the nomination process. Spencer will get high school and college course credits for the experience. Spencer, a basketball ambassador, will be joined by competitors in baseball, bowling, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball and wrestling in the Netherlands. In all, there will be close to 5,000 athletes from grades 5-12. The groups will tour the sights of Amsterdam and experience the international culture (in addition to the athletic competition), participating in activities like bike rides through the countryside and boat rides through canals. The first three days will focus on team-building and getting to know a new set of acquaintances. Spencer is scheduled to fly from Charlotte to Chicago Saturday morning. From there, she will fly directly to Amsterdam (with a flight time of close to eight hours). She has never been overseas.
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