Cleaner courts. Stronger mentorship. Safer neighborhoods.
That’s the shared goal behind a recent international exchange that brought a group of youth basketball coaches from across South Africa to Atlanta. In January 2026, the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services to host the first international delegation of the year — focused on using sport as a tool for leadership and community safety.
The visit highlighted how Atlanta’s youth programs are helping young people stay engaged, build confidence, and find positive pathways forward.
Why Sport Matters Beyond the Game
The delegation was part of a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by PH International. The goal: strengthen leadership and coaching capacity among community sports leaders while promoting youth engagement and constructive community participation through sport.
Throughout their 10-day visit, the South African coaches explored how Atlanta uses sports to address issues such as youth vulnerability, violence prevention, and community connection.
“This exchange is about more than basketball,” said Ana Petrova of the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. “It’s about building leadership, mentorship, and safe spaces for young people to grow.”
Experiencing Atlanta’s Youth Programs Firsthand
While in Atlanta, the delegation visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center, where they attended a City of Atlanta Midnight Basketball vs. South DeKalb YMCA / PAL Basketball After Dark showcase game.
The visit included a screening of the documentary Hopes, Hoops, & Dreams and a Southern-style dinner, giving the group a deeper look into Atlanta’s culture and community engagement model.
Through site visits, meetings, and service projects, the coaches observed how Atlanta partners with recreation centers, nonprofits, and law enforcement to create safe, structured environments for teens — particularly during evening hours when youth are most vulnerable.
One highlight was learning about Midnight Basketball, a long-standing initiative designed to provide mentorship, structure, and opportunity through sport.
From Atlanta to South Africa
When the delegation returns home, each participant will design and implement a Community Impact Project based on lessons learned during their Atlanta visit.
The initiative supports 10 days of structured learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange — equipping the coaches with tools they can adapt within their own communities.
The visit also strengthens long-term professional connections between sports leaders in the United States and South Africa, creating opportunities for continued collaboration.
By sharing Atlanta’s engagement models and community-driven programming, the exchange reflects the city’s broader commitment to global diplomacy and local impact.
Building Opportunity Through International Exchange
Programs like this demonstrate how diplomacy can translate into real-world community benefits. They also show how Atlanta’s youth engagement efforts resonate beyond city limits.
Through partnerships with federal agencies, local nonprofits, and international leaders, the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs continues to position Atlanta as a city that builds global relationships while investing in safer neighborhoods at home.
Residents can learn more about international partnerships and community programs by visiting the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs.
