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The University of Oregon will host the 2014 IAFF World Junior Championship this summer. More than 2,500 of the world's best track and field athletes under the age of 20 will compete to earn a place in future Olympics. This will be the first time that championships have ever been held in the U.S. or on a university campus. The UO Office of International Affairs is helping lead the effort to showcase the university's international research and expertise.

Caption: UO ambassadors will use their language and culture skills to welcome athletes to the historic Hayward Field.

UO ambassadors will use their language and cultural competencies to help welcome athletes and delegations. "Ambassadors will provide a warm welcome in the athletes' native languages, answer questions, and guide them throughout the university," explains Sheila Bong, Global Oregon Program Director. "Whether helping the young athletes deal with cross-cultural challenges or just answering questions about being a student at the University of Oregon, the ambassadors will offer their support and hospitality."

The ambassadors will orient teams to the community, provide hospitality and recommendations on places to shop or eat, and help as cultural translators. Each ambassador will be matched with Junior World Championship country delegations based on their knowledge of another language and culture. Pragmatics in action!