Testimonials

The following individuals are among the many world renowned figures who have spoken at Institute for International Sport events.

"Extraordinary! I wish there had been a Scholar-Athlete Games program during my youth."
- President Bill Clinton, keynote speaker, 2006 World Scholar-Athlete Games

"The work that the Institute for International Sport is doing, and Dan Doyle is spearheading, is very important for the scholar-athletes, and for the societies in which they live. The address I delivered at the 2006 World Scholar-Athlete Games is among my fondest memories. Also, I have been privileged to support Dan's remarkable book, 'The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting' in every way possible. Like his work at the Institute, this book is a great service to us all."
- Senator George Mitchell

"This inspired idea will have a tremendous impact on world peace for generations to come."
- Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel at press conference to announce the World Youth Peace Summit

"I am extremely excited to be part of this initiative. This is a remarkable concept that will endure, and have a very favorable impact on the participants and even on international relations. I look at Dan Doyle's idea as having the same potential as the International Special Olympics, which have become such a staple of what is good about sport. The World Scholar-Athlete Games will be looked upon in the same vein."
- Senator Bill Bradley, at 1992 Washington, DC press conference to announce the creation of the World Scholar-Athlete Games

"The Scholar-Athlete Games is one of the most impressive and remarkable gatherings of young people I have ever witnessed."
- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Keynote speaker,
2003 United States Scholar-Athlete Games

Since the inaugural 1993 World Scholar-Athlete Games, the Institute for International Sport has received literally thousands of testimonials from past participants. A common theme of the testimonials is that participation in the Scholar-Athlete Games was a transformational experience. Many testimonials point to the experience as "the greatest of my life."

Sampling of the Hundreds of Testimonials Received
Following the 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games

The most wonderful experience of my lifetime.
Akash Dey, San Jose, CA, Swimming

The greatest experience of my life.
Nic Price, Moultrie, GA, Soccer

You and the wonderful group with the US Scholar-Athlete Games made a fantastic transformational impact on my wonderful daughter.
Letter from Parent

The 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games provided me with an amazing experience away from home. I had a lot of fun playing baseball with other great athletes. However, the highlight of my week was getting to know people from all over the country and even all over the world. I experienced firsthand, the great diversity of the people in the world and the many attributes that people from all over possess.
Keith Dove, Newark, CA, Baseball

The Scholar-Athlete Games is so much more than just competing, it is about making you a better leader. I've gained so much in just the one week I was here and I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't experienced this to participate whenever possible and in any way possible.
Nico Greco, Terryville, CT, Track and Field

The other scholars I met here are friends for life. When I broke my nose, the whole field hockey team was constantly asking me if I was OK. Through the week everyone opened up as to each other and we laughed as if we had all known each other for years. To hear a speech by Colin Powell was a once in a lifetime opportunity and by far the best speech I ever heard and will ever hear.
Jessica Millar, Dover, DE, Field Hockey

I feel much more connected to my peers on both a national and international level. The USSAG have revived my excitement and belief in my generation's future.
Deana Davoudiasl, Rockville Centre, NY, Tennis

The 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games has brought unity amongst a group of young athletes and artists representing 31 different countries! I could never have imagined what a wonderful and inspiring event the Games would be. The knowledgeable and successful speakers have brought insight to and provoked critical thinking in the minds of all participants, including me.
Courtenay Cochran, Grapevine, TX, Tennis

The Games are a life changing event. All future leaders, athletes, artists, and scholars should attend these Games. The best way to learn something is by actions, and the Games have acted positively on everything.
Adam Morrison, West Des Moines, IA, Culinary Arts

The US Scholar-Athlete Games was more than just about athletics, it was about learning how to be a leader. One who might eventually be among the leaders of the world.
Ryan Kelley, Shrewsbury, MA, Baseball

This experience is amazing. It gives students a chance to see and meet people from all over the world. They also get to see and hear from some very successful leaders. Finally, it is a chance to be inspired to succeed and do your best. Collin McClain, Chantilly, VA, Basketball

Being at the USSAG 2008 in Kingston, Rhode Island helped me to build friendships that will sail the test of time. Thank you!
Darrell Palmer, Morganton, NC, Culinary Arts

The program showed me how much I have to improve. The leadership skills I have learned and the people I have met have changed my life forever. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve themselves.
Valentin Neamtu, Cluj-Napoca & Hartsdale, NY,Tennis

The Games brings people together from around the world and shows them how to work together.
Drew Cassette, Southlake, TX, Basketball

Sampling of the Hundreds of Testimonials Received
Following the 2006 World Scholar-Athlete Games

"We may have just witnessed the finest youth event in history."
-Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch at the 2006 closing ceremonies. (Attorney General Lynch served as co-chair of the World
Scholar-Athlete Games Rhode Island Executive Committee)

"The 2006 WSAG was a remarkable event in my journey of leadership and personal development; coming together with young people from around the world in the spirit of unity and embracing diversity. The atmosphere was always high and we all immersed ourselves into a world of acceptance, enthusiasm, strong sportsmanship, understanding and most of all LEARNING. We walked away feeling strong, committed to a life of making a positive difference to our community and our world and having built great international friendships!"
-Jeremy Yam, Australia

"The 2006 World Scholar Athlete Games were an eye opening and stomach clenching experience. The Games let me be who I really am in front of total strangers and let me experience the fun and the importance of embracing world issues. Because of the Games I have made friends with so many different people, from many different cultures. I always knew that race did not matter and the Games proved to be a place where all cultures and races could mix. I thank everyone who made the Games possible for all young people like me."
-Jessica Marroquin, Mexico

"I found Matt Doyle's speech on non-violence to be extraordinary, particularly based on what happened to him in Chicago. His speech was full of reason and compassion. It was one of the best experiences I have had as a Scholar-Athlete Games coach since 1993."
-Mark Newlen, Richmond, VA

Click here to read Bill Reynolds' column: "Matt Doyle's a Believer in Second Chances" regarding Matt's attack in Chicago, and subsequent recovery.

"The 2006 WSAG was absolutely phenomenal! It opened my eyes to new thoughts, new ideas, and new cultures. At first I was scared because I thought that people would be aggressive towards me because I come from the Middle East, but nobody judged me! I brought home so many memories...President Bill Clinton's speech, dining at Butterfield Hall, parties at the Union, and all the new friendships I made."
-Noor Adel Al-Shihaby, Bahrain

"In my opinion these games were a great and fantastic experience for all teenagers and young adults. They are a great way of expanding culture and traditions to all young in the future. I hope that this continues for many more years and generations.

"Buenisimo!"
-Richie Paredes, Paraguay

"As a past participant of the Games, I was more than willing to give back to an event such as the Games. They have opened so many doors for me. Coming from Barbados and seeing my national flag on the stage made me feel at home."
-Corey Bynoe, Barbados

"The World Scholar-Athlete Games opened my eyes to the world and what it truly has to offer. To meet so many people with so many ideas and varying views, I couldn't help but be inspired and believe real change can happen. It was an experience I never dreamed of having and one that reminds me daily to take every opportunity that comes your way!"
-Katie Perkins, New Zealand

"The 2006 World Scholar Athlete Games provided me with more than I could have ever imagined. Not only did I make friendships that will last a lifetime; I was also able to learn from others that share the same passion and goals for the future as I do. It was too short a time and I am waiting anxiously for the next Games. I cannot wait to participate again."
-Natasha Rodriguez, USA

"The World Scholar Athlete Games was inspirational, not only because of the numerous speakers but having the chance to meet other youth from around the globe; hearing first hand the different viewpoints and concerns of youth from around the world changes your viewpoint entirely. I feel that when I left I took the diversity and unity I felt at the WSAG home with me. The entire experience has ignited a fire in me to better my communities understanding of global issues, mainly through the arts and to see as much of the world as I can."
-Chelsea Murray, Canada

"WSAG was a life changing experience. The exposure I was faced with to global cultures had never been as intense as it was at the World Scholar Athlete Games. Although the sports program and the social events were fun and interesting, the speeches and/or presentations were just as incredible, if not more. My only complaint about this entire program was that it was not long enough."
-Ife Anikpe, USA

"It was an event which opened my eyes to the world in which I lived in and the events happening within it. I was amazed at how uninformed I was, but soon found myself in the company of amazing friends who made the realization process a whole lot warmer. Even if I never have the chance to see them all again, their personalities have helped me change my perspective of life, and maintain an open heart to every individual and their opposing differences, which I have learned, make us all unforgettable."
-Cassie Clarke, USA

"I have to say that the 2006 World Scholar Athlete Games was one of the greatest events I have ever attended in my lifetime. Not just because of numerous exciting activities that took place, but how people from all over the world came to work together and learn about each other in their specific activities and themes. The best part I believe was meeting a lot of people, sharing different cultures also different points of views for World peace, and of course making new friends."
-Dorothy Rota, USA

"I just feel honored to have been given the opportunity to get to know different people, with different beliefs and cultural backgrounds and to find that in spite of all that there is a way we all can get along and enjoy each others company and share knowledge amongst ourselves with respect for one another. To participate in the World Scholar-Athlete Games is a rare and humbling experience. All these wonderful people came from all over the world to share thoughts and knowledge with others. I was most inspired by everyone's attitude; I was only met with kindness and hospitality and I can never express in words how truly grateful I am for this unforgettable days I spent in Rhode Island this summer. I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone at the World Scholar-Athlete Games for making this experience the best it could be."
-Stefan Johann Sigurosson, Iceland

"The World Scholar-Athlete Games was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I met so many amazing people with so many unique talents and personalities. I was moved by the passion that some of my peers had for the current issues of today and it inspired me to be a more active American citizen. Thank you for accepting my application and allowing me to participate in these great games."
–Caitlin W. Pritzkat, USA

"The Games were amazing, an experience that will remain unmatched throughout my life. There were so many unique speakers and activities that I could not have participated in anywhere else. These Games are valuable to the changing world as it grows smaller and countries are forced to work more closely. As President Clinton said in his memorable speech from the Games, ‘our differences matter but our common humanity matters more'. Thank you."
-Cassidy Duckett, USA

"The World Scholar-Athlete Games is a spectacular venue that opened my eyes to the difficulties that people face daily around the world. I am thankful for the opportunity that I've now had to witness the courageous people that struggle daily for peace in their countries, and I feel like their courage is inspiring and will help my generation to more appropriately deal with fixing world issues."
-Tony Carucci, USA

And Finally, one of many messages received from parents!

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY DAUGHTER???? Mary, age 15, volleyball participant has returned from the 2006 games in R.I. to sleepy Meredith, NH a changed person. She is ready to make a difference. She is ready to help. Help to make the world a better place. She is ready to put herself second, and the needs of the poor with voices not heard first. She is ready. THANK YOU, THANK YOU…..THANK YOU…GOD IS SMILING…… Mother of that child….filled with gratitude and thanksgiving…WHAT A WEEK IT MUST HAVE BEEN ~ GO TO SLEEP KNOWING YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD'S PLAN…GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!"
-Michelle McGourty