A group of around 40 residents from the American cities of Lawrence, Kansas City, and El Kader arrived in Algeria on November 9 at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The cities of Lawrence and El Kader had previously warmly welcomed the Algerian national football team and its supporters during the North American World Cup. El Kader was named in honor of Emir Abdelkader in the 19th century.
During the Algerian team's stay in Lawrence, a video of a police officer enthusiastically cheering for the team went viral among Algerians. The officer, Meghan Bardwell, was seen dancing and chanting with supporters in the streets of Lawrence while wearing her police uniform. Her energetic display of support won over the hearts of many Algerians, who were pleased to learn that she would be part of the visiting delegation.
Meghan Bardwell, a police inspector from Lawrence, was a standout guest in Algeria, drawing attention and admiration from the public and media alike. She was joined on the trip by the mayors of Lawrence and El Kader, as well as Elisabeth Moore Aubin, the US Ambassador to Algeria from 2022 to 2026. The group's itinerary included visits to Tipaza, Algiers, and Ghardaïa.
In Algiers, Bardwell was mobbed by fans and media, happily posing for selfies and participating in interviews. At the Casbah, she performed a traditional Algerian dance, which she had also done in Lawrence during the World Cup. This time, she danced to an Algerian tune, winning over the crowd with her carefree spirit.
Bardwell's interactions with locals were marked by her quick adoption of Algerian phrases and customs. At the Jardin d'Essais d'Alger, she was presented with a fennec, which she happily cradled in her arms. In one instance, she was filmed saying "Wesh kho?" - a colloquial Algerian expression - and later, she let out a loud, joyful youyou at the Roman ruins in Tipaza.
The visit left a lasting impression on both Bardwell and her Algerian hosts. Her spontaneous display of support for the Algerian team had not gone unnoticed, and many were grateful for her warm and genuine interactions with locals. As a result, Bardwell became an unlikely ambassador for her city and a symbol of the connections that can be forged through sports and cultural exchange.
The Algerian public's affection for Bardwell was evident in the widespread media attention and public enthusiasm she received during her visit. Her trip served as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting bonds between individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
Key points
- Meghan Bardwell, a US police officer, charmed Algerians with her support for the national football team and warm interactions with locals during a visit to Algeria.
