Tony Sanneh Leads Both On and Off the Field

In the face of the many challenges that COVID-19 presents to our communities at the local, national, and global levels, we turn to good acts and deeds in humanity for motivation. A U.S. Department of State Sports Envoy Tony Sanneh and founding executive director of the Sanneh Foundation in Minneapolis-St. Paul steps up to support his community when most in need. 

Shortly after COVID-19 hit the United States, longstanding Sports Envoy Tony Sanneh and his team at The Sanneh Foundation initiated a "grab and go" meal kit program working with food banks in his home city of St. Paul, Minnesota. With school closures and negative effects on the local workforce, the Sanneh Foundation began offering free nutritious lunches and dinners to the community. The organization also ramped up its workforce development support to help parents and youth navigate additional resources online. 

During this time of turbulence in the wake of George Floyd's death, the Sanneh Foundation continues to serve as a leader by promoting unity, respect for diversity, and solidarity. 

Tony previously led soccer programs in Bolivia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Cyprus, Pakistan, and the UAE on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. The Sanneh Foundation is a former U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince grant program partner for its community soccer/health programs in Haiti. Tony is a leader supporting social change with a focus on at-risk youth, nutrition, and preventing violent extremism among others. He supports the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' youth outreach programming at home and around the world.