American basketball professionals Sam Vincent and Taj McWilliams-Franklin are in the Philippines as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program, participating in a series of activities aimed at promoting American expertise in basketball and supporting young Filipino athletes and leaders.
Vincent, an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in 1986, and McWilliams-Franklin, a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock (2008) and Minnesota Lynx (2011), have both moved into coaching after their playing careers. Their visit to Alaminos City, Pangasinan includes leading basketball clinics and leadership seminars organized with local government support.
The initiative is designed to foster closer ties between Americans and Filipinos through shared interests in sports. The program uses the skills and experiences of professional athletes to help train youth not only in athletic fundamentals but also in leadership, dedication, and teamwork.
“Basketball has long been a shared passion between Americans and Filipinos. Through the U.S. Sports Envoys program in the Philippines, we celebrate that connection while also empowering young people with the leadership, dedication, and teamwork skills that sports uniquely provide,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Y. Robert Ewing.
The Sports Envoy Program has sent more than 300 envoys representing 24 different sports around the world since its inception in 2005 to strengthen bilateral relationships by engaging communities through sport.