Azerbaijan: U.S. Sports Envoy Promotes Peace

Written By Joy Russell

Baku, Azerbaijan — Chargé d’Affaires Guevara at the United States Embassy warmly welcomed a U.S. Sports Envoy to Azerbaijan, extending heartfelt thanks for their efforts in promoting the inclusion of women and girls in sports while strengthening U.S. - Azerbaijan relations. The 13-person delegation engaged in presentations and outreach activities across Azerbaijan in Lankaran, Masalli, Ganja, and Sheki. This initiative was supported by the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation and implementing partners Wrestle Like A Girl and Wrestling for Peace. This historic trip was part of a U.S. State Department Sports Exchange program themed “Empowering Girls and Women Through Wrestling.”

“Sport connects us beyond language, ideologies, and borders,” said Tela O’Donnell Bacher, who leads Coaching Education for Wrestle Like A Girl. “This exchange will utilize the power of sport and cross-cultural collaboration to advance wrestling opportunities for women in the U.S. and Azerbaijan. It often feels like there is much conflict in the world, but when we connect and celebrate the good that sports people and organizations do, we strengthen a positive future.”

Over ten days, the American delegation visited Azerbaijani sports organizations, sharing their expertise and experiences. Wrestling for Peace Ambassadors, Dan and Joy Russell were honored to be partnered with participants from diverse regions of the United States, including Alaska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and D.C.:

  • Sally Roberts and Tela Bacher from Wrestle Like A Girl

  • Krista Graff from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Oklahoma

  • Nicole Tyson from Oklahoma City University

  • Cadence Dare from Oklahoma Cowgirls Wrestling Club

  • Tarkyia Mensah from Schreiner University

  • Poorna Babu from Texas Women’s University

  • Kristi Mann from Arkansas USA Wrestling

  • Chloe Ivanoff from Alaska Girls Wrestling and Kodiak Wrestling

  • Robyn Chaney from Dillingham, Alaska Wolverine Wrestling

  • Ed Lester from Newhalen School in Alaska

This exchange program highlighted the potential of sport as a universal language, demonstrating unity and mutual understanding while promoting gender equality in wrestling. The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan was proud to support this initiative and they look forward to seeing the positive impact of these collaborative efforts.  

Joy Russell
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