WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) — The U.S. Department of State announced Shaquille O’Neal will travel to Cuba as the first ever “sports envoy.”
O’Neal, a hall of fame basketball player turned broadcaster, will lead a series of basketball clinics for young people on the island from June 25 to June 28.
“This people-to-people program taps into the unique strength of sports—including basketball—to reach out to young people and promote cooperation and engagement in Cuba,” the State Department said. “O’Neal will draw on his personal basketball and business background to highlight the importance of social inclusion and respect for diversity.”
Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach Kaleb Canales will join O’Neal on the trip and assist in hosting the clinics.
O’Neal will also visit historically significant cultural sites in the capital city of Havana to encourage positive ties between the U.S. and Cuba.
