As an exchange student at Illinois Wesleyan University, Mikhail Rybalko was introduced to new sports for the first time. His subsequent trips to the United States continued to introduce him to sports and activities that were not yet widely known in Russia, including racquetball, pickleball, and dodgeball.
In this presentation, Mikhail will explore the role of sports in socialization, building connections, and strengthening communities. He will also share his “travel notes” from his trip to Boston in August–September 2026, offering personal observations and stories from his time in the city.
