Only 1 week until Minnesota Vixen owner and Coach Laura Brown will be participating in the IFAF Nordic American Football Camp for Girls in Malmo, Sweden.  Now in its third year, this interactive camp brings American football to girls ages 12 to 18 from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. Brown was invited by the U.S. Embassy as part of the embassy’s efforts to enhance the understanding of American society and values in Sweden.  Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever strengthening relations between the United States and Sweden.  Brown states “sports foster a mutual understanding between people with different backgrounds and can bridge the gap, plus allow for engagement”. Besides involvement with the camp while in Sweden, the embassy will have Brown connect with two additional groups, Sports without Borders and the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden.  Sports without Borders is an NGO whose goal is to utilize sports as a means for young people to be empowered in their own lives.  Brown will be speaking with students and teachers introducing them to American football and how American football can help them accomplish their goals in life. Additionally, Brown will visit the American Chamber of Commerce.  As the voice of American business in Sweden, the chamber is enthusiastic about hearing Brown speak on her challenges on changing perceptions critical to success – both internally and externally as a leader of a unique business. Brown is excited to not only be working with the youth but to be utilizing sport and her experiences to engage others.  “It is a great opportunity to connect with others and have a shared experience” Brown states.  “Through these types of experiences, we can grow together”. Established in 1999, the Minnesota Vixen are the longest continuously operating women's American football team in the world.  Based in the Twin Cities, the Vixen are a member of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) and compete with over 60 teams across the nation.  Brown is on the WFA's Board of Representatives and has been the owner/operator of the Minnesota Vixen for the last five seasons where twice they have appeared in national championship title games.  With unprecedented growth, the Vixen are not only the pioneers of women’s football but also leading the future of the sport.