Shaquille O’Neal to Assist in Improving Youth Sports in Cuba

March 21st, 2016 by Mike Norris Leave a reply »
As relations between the United States and Cuba begin to open up, sports inevitably are becoming a part of the process.

Former NBA great Shaquille O'Neal, never one to back down from a challenge or the spotlight, will be traveling to Havana in June as an ambassador for the White House. He will work with children in the city to assist youth programs, according to Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports.

The White House released a statement Monday on the new Sports Envoy Program regarding O'Neal's trip. It said in part, "The program will be the first in which U.S. Embassy in Havana will partner with the Cuban Ministry of Sports" (h/t Pandian).

Anything involving the U.S. and Cuba has the potential to be polarizing considering the countries' past relationship. O'Neal, while maybe not polarizing, certainly has detractors considering he is never afraid to say what is on his mind. However, he also is entertaining and should make an impression on a group of children who otherwise may not have much exposure to American sports.

According to Pandian, the move makes sense: "O'Neal is the perfect person to help the United States laun ...

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