Published: July 18, 2008 04:27 pm      

Fultondale teen to take bowling skills overseas

By Melissa Waites

The North Jefferson News



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

Johnston leaves today for Holland and will return on July 28.

“I think this is an opportunity of a lifetime for Alex,” Dedria Johnston, Alex’s mother, said. “He’ll be exposed to different cultures and he’ll be able to interact with other kids. He’s a shy person and I think that he’ll really benefit from this experience.”

Johnston has been bowling for 10 years and bowls at the Pine Bowl in Fultondale on a regular basis.

According to Johnston’s mother, he is looking forward to the bowling in Holland the most.

“We know it will be different, but we don’t know how it will be different. We aren’t sure what to expect,” she said.

Johnston will train for 10 days in Haarlem, Holland, before he goes on to compete as part of the Youth Friendship Games 2008.

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

The program will not only allow Johnston to build his athletic skills, but he also has the opportunity to earn academic credit while meeting people and learning about the culture and history of the places he visits. He will participate in a variety of activities that include a community service project, exploring some of Amsterdam’s 500 miles of canals, visiting the Anne Frank house and riding bicycles through the ancient fishing village of Volendam, according to the program’s newsletter.

During the travel portion of the program, Johnston will be required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of training and skills development; a minimum of four games, matches or meets during the tournament; participate in a five-mile bicycle ride, attend a clinic and scrimmage in a local sport; and learn about nutrition, sports psychology, sports leadership and physical training.

“He’ll be doing team activities and I hope that he’ll really grow from that,” said Johnston.

People to People Sports Ambassador program was founded in 1965 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Upon his invitation to apply, Johnston submitted references and participated in an interview with program coaches and leaders.

Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency along with citizen leaders including entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owners, 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, according to the program’s Web site.

People to People Student Ambassador Programs is based in Spokane, Wash. and has been coordinating the educational travel programs for almost 50 years.