Use sport to unite children in divided communities

In July, PeacePlayers International participants from each of our sites came together for PPI’s annual Summer Camp in Agros, Cyprus! The campers enjoyed intensive basketball and classroom training, while also getting to know what it’s like to be a PeacePlayer in another part of the world. On the court, they perfected their skills with the help of former New Orleans Jazz star Aaron James and Turkish basketball star Sebnem Kimyacoglu. Off the court, they learned from experts in leadership development, conflict resolution, and nutrition. Many thanks to adidas, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the European Union, the United States Embassy in Cyprus, Jotun, and the National Basketball Retired Players Association for helping make this camp possible!

Earlier this month, PeacePlayers International–South Africa hosted the 25th City Wide Tournament with the theme of “Celebrating the Youth of South Africa." Each year, PPI-SA hosts two tournaments (in June and October), bringing together every Primary School Participant. The October tournament allows youth to play with their teams against other schools in a winner-take-all-style event. In June, children are placed on mixed teams and play with youth from other PPI Schools throughout. At first, participants are nervous and hesitant to play with youth they have often times never met before, but by the end of the event countless new friendships have been formed and relationships built.

The end of the season is here, and PeacePlayers-Middle East went out with a bang! Check out what happened when PeacePlayers organized two Minifests...on the same day!