PPI-NI’s Darryl Petticrew coaches several participants at Jingle Ball 2012.
This week, we hear from PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland‘s (PPI-NI) Leadership Development Program Coordinator, Darryl Petticrew.
With the launch of the Belfast Interface Games, our Spring Jam and Jingle Ball tournaments, emotional departures, new arrivals, visits from NBA players, and a lot of smiling faces, PPI-NI had a very exciting 2012. I have been involved with the organization since 2007, and I have watched our participants grow up through the program, become teenagers and come full circle by acting as mentors and junior coaches for the program.
We are going into 2013 with a lot of enthusiasm. We cannot waste any time, as we immediately jump back into programming. Over the next few months we have a number of exciting things going on with PPI-NI, from getting our twinning programs started, working on technical assistance projects, exploring new ideas with the Game of Three Halves, and prepping for Spring Jam and the Belfast Interface Games. We certainly don’t have to look very far to see the need for our work, as the civic unrest continues in Belfast in regards to legislation about posting the Union Flag at City Hall. While protests continue around a contentious symbol, PPI-NI see this as an opportunity to explore identity and promote the diversity of Belfast through our programs.
2013 looks like its going to shape up as another great year for PPI-NI, but the work we do would not be possible without support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who makes a contribution to our work. There is no gesture too small and together, one small step at a time, we can help promote positive change and work toward a more peaceful global community.
From everyone at PPI in Northern Ireland, Happy New Year!
