Embassy Events 2007

Six Polish Youth Win International Aliante Competition

25 October 2007

Ambassador Ashe with the finalists of the 2007 Aliante Competition

U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe hosted a reception at his residence on October 19, 2007 to congratulate the six Polish winners of the Aliante Competition who were finalists in this year's European-wide competition.  The Aliante Competition is an annual internet-based event held in English designed to promote greater understanding of NATO’s history and mission, and to encourage young people to consider careers in international relations.  Through the competition, the organizers hope to establish a new generation of young people more aware of efforts and methods in the international community for creating and maintaining security and peace.  This year the contest took place in many countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Great Britain, anda special editions of the contest in the Ukraine and the United States.  The international finals took place in June at a British military base in Germany.  This year, the winners traveled to the US in August for a two-week study-tour to visit military bases in Norfolk, Nebraska, and Colorado Springs, as well as the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of State.  At the reception, Ambassador Ashe articulated U.S. support for NATO and underscored that the alliance must maintain the ability to secure and advance freedom.  He presented award certificates to the winners and encouraged all participants to continue studying international relations.  Defense Attaché Rick Runner and Political and Military Affairs Officer John Gorkowski also gave presentations on NATO, missile defense, and NATO in relation to counter-terrorism efforts to a large group of finalists of the competition.