By Lindsay Williams | Communications and Development Intern
PeacePlayers International - SPIN in Ethiopia
In December, PeacePlayers International (PPI) – Sports and Peace Innovation Network (SPIN) held a training session in Ethiopia led by four new SPIN trainers comprised of local staff, International Fellows and former trainees. Two of the new trainers, Million Biyaylgne and Bryan Franklin, brought their own unique experiences and perspectives to the SPIN initiatives. Biyaylgne was first introduced to PPI as a participant in 2012, during a SPIN project with Worldwide Orphans, which launched a new soccer league for orphans and vulnerable children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PPI – South Africa International Fellow, Bryan Franklin (from Denver, Colorado), came together with Biyaylgne to work with Save the Children International in refugee camps in the Gambella region of Ethiopia.
PeacePlayers International - Northern Ireland Hosts Largest Jingle Ball Ever
PPI-Northern Ireland hosted its annual Jingle Ball tournament at Lisburn Racquets Club just outside of Belfast. Over the past 3 years, the tournament has doubled in size, from just 12 teams and around 100 participants in 2012, to 21 teams and over 200 participants in 2015.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Visits PeacePlayers International - Cyprus
On December 3, 2015 U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry took time out of his six-nation European tour to visit PPI-Cyprus and learn how their young leaders are using sport to unite the divided country. Secretary Kerry was in Cyprus for talks with Cypriot leaders to encourage progress toward ending the island’s 40-year conflict.
PeacePlayers International - SPIN in Bosnia
In November, thanks to support from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, facilitators from PPI - SPIN traveled to Vlasic, Bosnia to see how sport could play a role in bringing these groups together. At a sports facility in the Vlasic mountains, PPI Chief Programs Officer, Gunnar Hagstrom, PPI – Northern Ireland International Fellow, Joe Smith, and PPI – Cyprus Coordinator, Stephanie Nicolas, came together with 20 Serbian, Bosnian and Croat coaches and teachers to learn how sport has been used in some of the world’s toughest conflict areas.
PeacePlayers International - South Africa Has Crowns Champions
In the beginning of November, PPI-South Africa’s season ended with the 26th City Wide Tournament, sponsored by the Laureus Foundation South Africa and Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Approximately 500 participants, 50 volunteers, and 21 PPI-SA coaches and staff took part in the day-long tournament.
PeacePlayers International - Middle East Attends Retreat
In October, participants of the PPI – Middle East program attended a retreat in Kfar Maccabiah. The retreat focused on teamwork, communication, responsibility, and problem solving, all important skills in PeacePlayers, basketball, and youth development.
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