PPI-NI coaches and participants marched in the Lord Mayor's parade.
On Saturday, June 18, PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland was invited to march in the Lord Mayor’s Parade. The parade was a celebratory event to welcome Belfast’s new Lord Mayor, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile. The theme of the festivities was ‘One World, One Future, One Vision’ and showcased the diversity of Belfast. In addition to the PeacePlayers coaches, children from PPI-NI’s primary school twinning program marched in the parade, as well as PPI-NI junior coach, Courtney McQuillan. Additionally, special guest, Brian Cognato, who is visiting Northern Ireland from PPI’s Washington, D.C. office, enthusiastically joined in the spirited march.
International Fellow Meghan Houlihan with PPI-NI twinning participants from Carr's Glen primary school.
The parade kicked off at Writers’ Square, opposite St. Anne’s Cathedral, continued down Royal Avenue and Donegal Place, and finished at Belfast City Hall where all parade participants were treated to lunch and live music.
Although the parade route was only 1/3 mile, all of the participants had a great time waving to the crowds, dancing alongside parade drummers, and chanting, “Peace what? PEACEPLAYERS!”
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