New U.S. Diplomacy in Syria - U.S. Delegation Visits Damascus and Uses Soccer as a Diplomatic Tool

New U.S. Diplomacy in Syria - U.S. Delegation Visits Damascus and Uses Soccer as a Diplomatic Tool

LOS ANGELES, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The critically-acclaimed U.S.-based television show, "The Soccer Academy," recently filmed two episodes of its show in Damascus, Syria. While there, a number of diplomatically-oriented meetings took place with high-level government officials, and peace was at the center of the dialogue. "The Soccer Academy," a program that spreads peace through greater cultural understanding, uses the international game of soccer as a backdrop. It also incorporates history, tourism, food and travel into each episode.

The host and co-producer of the show, Antonio Soave, met with the Syrian Minister of Information, Dr. Muhsin Bilal. Antonio and Minister Bilal spoke candidly about improving relations between Syria and the United States. The Minister also indicated his interest in creating more meaningful bi-lateral dialogue and in welcoming more U.S. diplomatic visitors to Syria, similar to the recent visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Additionally, "The Soccer Academy" delegation met with the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Saadalla Agha Al Kalaa. The Minister talked about the wonderful historical aspects of Syrian tourism, and he focused on how tourism can and should be used as an opening for peace, particularly in the case of Syria with its rich culture and heritage.

The delegation of "The Soccer Academy" filmed in a variety of sites such as the ancient Ummayad Mosque in Damascus (home of the tomb of John the Baptist), the Melkite Christian Convent of St. Serge in the long-standing village of Maaloula, and the "Souk" marketplace in old Damascus. They also filmed with members of Syria's Youth National Team, and with the professional soccer team, Al Jaish. After the trip, Antonio Soave said, "The hospitality and generosity displayed by the people of Syria was amazing and incredible. What struck me the most was the kindness of the people and their desire to have a meaningful dialogue with Americans."

"The Soccer Academy" airs nationally on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. on a variety of ABC, NBC, CBS, Dish Network and Direct TV channels, and it is produced by Capistrano Productions, a company dedicated to making uplifting and inspirational programs. For more information, visitors can log onto http://www.socceracademy.tv/ and http://www.capistranofilms.tv/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT: Tony Keith at (310) 545-3524 or (310) 753-9957

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Soccer Academy

CONTACT: Tony Keith of Capistrano Productions, +1-310-545-3524, or
+1-310-753-9957, for The Soccer Academy

Web site: http://www.capistranoproductions.tv/
http://www.socceracademy.tv/

---

Profile: International Entertainment