Talking Points: Bob Walsh

Bob Walsh got mixed reviews for the Goodwill Games he organized in Seattle in 1990. Now, he's taking on an even more ambitious task with One World 2011, a series of sports, academic, arts and business events he plans to hold during a month-long period beginning on September 11, 2011-the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack-with the goal of building a bridge to the Muslim world.

Genesis: Thanks to the Goodwill Games, close to $1 billion in investments occurred here. A lot of personal and business relationships were established with the [former] Soviet Union. Aeroflot started flying to Seattle and the Russian consulate was established. The games contributed to the thawing of the Cold War. I thought it would be a good idea to do the same thing with the Muslim world.

Organization: We've been working on this for two and a half years. We have an office in Amman [Jordan] and in Dubai [United Arab Emirates], and we are setting one up in Istanbul [in December]. We've hired Blue State Digital, which did the Obama campaign, to design strategic marketing on the internet [to reach participants from 38 countries].

Support: We have received money from the Gates Foundation and from George Russell. We are looking for funding from other foundations, individuals and the United States government. We are also supported by the Russian Federation, which has three republics that are Muslim. The president of Azerbaijan is very much behind this project. And we are meeting the president of Turkey.

Youth Program: The focus is on youth and women's empowerment. Sixty-five percent of the Muslim population is under 25. We want to bring over thousands of high school and college students who would never have an opportunity to travel. We're working with Queen Rania Al-Abdullah [of Jordan]. She is one of the real focal points, because she is noncontroversial. Students will stay at homes in Seattle or on university campuses. The University of Washington is on board as well as Evergreen State [College] and Bastyr.

Sports: We'll bring over boys and girls who will play soccer against local teams. We'll also have rhythmic gymnastics, which is very popular in the Muslim world among girls. We are in the process of securing the Saudi Arabian women's basketball team to come here and play. We'll have a women's swimming team. They won't swim in the presence of men; we are not shying away from cultural differences. ... We're also working with [Seattle Sounders FC CEO] Tod Leiweke to come up with an agreement whereby they will bring over at least one top Muslim [soccer] team.

Trade Fair: We're planning a bazaar that will include Washington's Muslim trade partners. There are a lot of airlines that are interested. Agriculture will be big. There will also be something on real estate and tourism.

Conferences: There will be an interfaith conference that will bring over high school and college students to discuss faith. Children's Hospital is working on the possibility of a major medical conference focused on pediatrics and women. We'll also do something in the arts. We want to get the whole community involved. We hope this event will be a real catalyst for change.

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