NFL players from the Paul Soliai Foundation tour Samoa.

From March 2-6, 2015, Embassy Apia hosted a second visit of National Football League (NFL) players in collaboration with the Paul Soliai Foundation and the Samoan Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture for a sports diplomacy program featuring school visits, motivational talks, football clinics and meetings with prominent figures in both the government and sports sectors. NFL stars Paul Soliai and Isaako Aaitui returned to Samoa, bringing with them new additions to the program - players Olivier Vernon and Samson Satele. The group met several years back when they played for the Miami Dolphins and two have since signed with other teams. Aaitui headed to the Washington Redskins, Soliai to the Atlanta Falcons while Vernon and Satele remain with the Dolphins. These players are united in their mission to give back to the community and generously offered to travel to Samoa to volunteer their time running football clinics at schools and spreading an important message of leadership and healthy living through athletics. They also highlighted benefits of focusing on educational opportunities to better prepare for one’s future. - Read more at: blog.nz.usembassy.gov/2015/03/...
Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever-strengthening relations between the United States and other nations. Sports diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports as a way to transcend linguistic and sociocultural differences and bring people together. Participation in sports teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives. To find out more about Sports Diplomacy visit...eca.state.gov/programs-initiat...
The U.S. Embassy have been involved in many sports related programs. Lately our Embassy and Consulate General team, led by newly arrived U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert, the first Ambassador to have a previous career as a Major League Baseball player, has been very busy with our newest initiative. With funding from the U.S. Embassy, the Department of State’s “Sports United” office and Major League Baseball (MLB), we have partnered with Baseball New Zealand for a campaign to help promote the Nation’s Pastime. Find out more here: blog.nz.usembassy.gov/2015/02/...

[@mcsuchnsuch]

God bless these guys for giving back. I'm surprised Olivier is of Samoan descent.

[@faataatiatupuolajr8799]

God bless you all!!!!!!! Much Love from San Diego 😁

[@marinaholmes8128]

Damn wish NFL players came when i was at Samoa College!

[@Samoatupo]

Giving back shows you guys have the right mind set and goods hearts. But don't forget about the kids in the states too cause they all need some love and guidance

[@whodat6836]

rugby or football take your pick of which one you choose to excel in.

[@vinrusso821]

It's not quite that easy. To get a college scholarship is one thing. NFL is another. Their are hundreds of Samoan college players that don't make the NFL.

[@MydadfasiYodad]

@@vinrusso821 ya that’s probably why they switch to rugby😂

[@lasmann4399]

samoan are not small people