Local Hoopster Set to Play in Austria

By Brian Flagg - March 14, 2008
iBerkshires Contributor

Shannon Garvey [Photo by Brian Flagg]

CLARKSBURG - When it comes to playing competitive basketball, Shannon Garvey has already seen her share. 

She started playing at an early age and now, at 13, has been part of the North Adams Girls Basketball League, its travel team (basically an all-star team comprised of the best local players) and Amateur Athletic Union basketball.

Now, however, Shannon will be taking part in a whole new facet of the game - as a sports ambassador to Austria.

"I thought it would be really cool to go to a new country and meet people from all over the world," said Shannon of why she's taking part in the program. "I am looking forward to ... experiencing a new culture."

On June 29, Shannon will be embarking on a 10-day trip to Austria to play basketball as part of the People to People Sports Ambassador Program. 

Founded by President Eisenhower more than half century ago, People To People International's goal was to foster world friendship and understanding through one-to-one communication between citizens of different nations. Since 1963, the program has been fulfilling Eisenhower's vision by sending youth and adult delegations to places like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, China, South Africa, Brazil and Costa Rica.

The Sports Ambassadors program was created in 2000. Candidates are nominated and have to go through an application process and a series of meetings and interviews before they are accepted. 

"I got a letter before Christmas but I do not know who nominated me," said Shannon. "I went to a meeting in February at Holyoke Community College and got an application booklet." 

After that, Shannon had to get three letters of recommendation and then sit through an interview in March, for which she and her family had to travel to Westfield.

"I would like to thank those individuals for writing those letters of recommendation," said Shannon. Her letters were written by Myles Whitney, founder of the North Adams Girls Basketball League and longtime head coach of the travel team, and Clarksburg School Principal Karen Gallese. This reporter, Garvey's coach in the local league, also submitted a letter. 

It didn't take long for the selection panel to decide Shannon would be a good ambassador.

"After the meeting in Westfield, I only had to wait one day and I got an e-mail saying that I had been accepted to the Sports Ambassadors Program of '08," she said.

Trans-Atlantic Team

Sports Ambassadors focus on advancing individual athletic skills through training, assessment and team practice, all under the guidance of experienced coaches. This year, Basketball Hall of Famer Dan Issel will be one of the Austria program's clinicians.

Each tournament-based program fosters international friendship and understanding through the common language of athletics. The participants interact with their overseas counterparts at different social activities and events that sometimes include Olympic-style opening ceremonies and awards presentations. They will also have the opportunity to visit historic and cultural sites.

Shannon's parents, Kevin and Sue Garvey,said they are very proud of and excited for their daughter. 

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime and we feel we are very fortunate to allow our daughter to participate in this program," said her father. Her mother added, "I am nervous and worried about the trip but I will be excited when Shannon gets back from Austria."

Her parents also feel they are very lucky to be able to provide this opportunity for their daughter: "There are also four grandparents walking around Florida who are very proud."

The costs associated with the program are the responsibility of the participants and their families. To help offset some of that cost, the Garveys are considering two possible fundraising events - a sponsorship foul shooting contest and a social gathering of some kind - in the coming weeks.