High School Athlete Scores Big in Austria 

Kenny Hansell, a sophomore at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, recently returned from a 10-day People to People Sports Ambassador Program to Vienna, Austria. He competed at the World Sports Festival 2009, where he won a gold medal in Boys U-18 Doubles Tournament. His partner was Brenton Howland from Rye, New York. In addition to competing in tennis at the Youth Friendship Games, Hansell plays number one singles as a member of the Christopher Dock Boys Varsity Tennis Team.

The People to People program gives participants a taste of international competition and the chance to get to know athletes from another part of the world. Eight different sports are represented at the Youth Friendship Games and 21 nations participated.

Before competition and during breaks in the action, delegates explored the beautiful city of Vienna, as well as toured Holfburg Palace, the birthplace of Marie Antoinette, and visited Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of the most infamous and deadly camps of WWII.

Upon returning, Kenny reflected on his trip. “I experienced an entirely different culture while overseas including new foods, games, language, and of course the incredible city and wonderful people of Austria itself. This old city was magnificent, structured with old gothic styled buildings and stoned streets. But I couldn’t forget the camp. The Mauthausen camp was emotional; looking at the shower heads which were actually gas chambers, I tried to put myself in their place and it was unthinkable. It was impossible to think of what it was like.

“Besides the tourism, the competition on the court was tough. I just missed out on making the main singles bracket, losing to a boy from the Netherlands in the final round robin game. In doubles, I got a second chance. When Brenton and I won gold, it was such a great feeling. Standing on the top podium with our medals was an experience I’ll never forget. Being able to represent the United States was an extreme honor and I feel blessed to be a part of it.”

Kenny Hansell was nominated and selected to participate in the Sports Ambassador Program, where he successfully earned 10 service credits in promoting peace through understanding. Before departing, Hansell attended several orientation meetings with local leaders and coaches to prepare for the journey and learn the responsibilities of representing the United States in overseas competition.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency in 1956. He believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could make a difference where governments could not. People to People Sports Ambassador Programs is based in Spokane, Washington, and has been coordinating the educational travel for over 50 years.