Joshua George heads to Rio in Sports Envoy programme

This visit is historic in that it is the first time an Olympian and Paralympian have been teamed up together as envoys

The USA’s Paralympic athletics gold medallist Joshua George has been paired up with Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix for a series of clinics and engagements in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 4-8 November, as part of the US State Department’s Sports Envoy programme.

This visit is historic in that it is the first time an Olympian and Paralympian have been teamed up together as envoys.

Their aim in Rio is to bring sport to the under-served youth of Brazil and promote the progress made under the Americans with Disabilities Act, with the USA set to commemorate the upcoming 25th anniversary of the act.

The programme highlights the way sport promotes respect for diversity and the full inclusion of all citizens in society.

During their time in Rio, the pair will connect with the youth of Brazil through clinics, leadership and team-building activities, and an athletics day featuring Paralympic and Olympic events.

Since 2003, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has brought nearly 1,000 athletes from more than 60 countries to the USA to participate in Sports Visitor programmes, while sending over 220 US athletes to more than 50 countries on Sports Envoy programmes.

George is a T53 athlete and has one Paralympic, and five world titles to his name. He also won the Chicago Marathon in October 2014.

For more information, visit the USA’s Department of State website.