WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will host a forum on how sport is being used as an innovative and effective tool in international development and public engagement. The event will bring together high-profile speakers including Two Time All-Pro Wide Receiver with the Green Bay Packers Greg Jennings; former National Football League (NFL) Linebacker and founder of BowTieCause.org Dhani Jones; Phil de Picciotto, Founder & President Octagon, Inc. and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. The panel will be moderated by noted American political sportswriter Dave Zirin and will be preceded by remarks from former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

From health to hunger, education to gender equality and conflict mitigation, sports are a universal language that is inspiring social change around the world. "Bow Tie Friday" will focus on sports role and that of the athlete in addressing these development challenges.

The name of the event, "Bow Tie Friday," is a nod to the bow tie that USAID's FWD Campaign created with Dhani Jones and BowTieCause.org to raise awareness for the crisis in the Horn of Africa. This follows recent public service announcements by NFL players, including Greg Jennings, on crisis. The PSAs, which were developed by USAID in partnership with the Ad Council, the NFL and the NFL Players Association, aired on several networks including CBS before the AFC Championship game and on NBC during the ProBowl.

Following the event, the players and the Administrator will be available for a press conference.

For more information about USAID and its programs, please visit www.usaid.gov.