Tag Archives: Peace Players International

by | August 14, 2012 · 9:11 pm

Molweni and Washington D.C. Collide on the Court

PPI-SA was thrilled to receive a special visit last week from the Zients family of Washington, D.C. Jeff, the Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, his wife Mary, a native of Johannesburg, and their three sons- Matt, 15, Josh, 12, and Jonny, 10- flew into Durban on Monday, August 6th and spent two days with PPI-SA staff and participants.

From left to right: Jeff Zients, PPI-SA Operations Manager Debby van der Heever, and Mary Zients

First, the Zients visited the PPI-SA office and shared a delicious feast from Nando’s with the office staff before heading out to Molweni for a coaching clinic. Though the day was unusually cold, windy, and a bit wet, Molweni coaches and players braved the elements to put on a wonderful demonstration of what we do at PPI-SA. Matt, Josh, and Jonny also participated in the clinic as their parents chatted with PPI-SA staff and snapped photos of their boys playing alongside the kids from Molweni. The clinic culminated in a scrimmage where Josh, Jonny, and the St. Leo’s Primary School team took on older brother Matt and the Sizimisele Primary School.  After the scrimmage, the Zients boys raved about the experience. St. Leo’s players worked feverishly to convince Josh to transfer to their school and play for their team permanently. As final goodbyes were said, the rain started pouring down, having held off just long enough to allow PPI another opportunity to bridge divides and foster extraordinary experiences for its participants and visitors.

Jonny, Josh, and Matt Zients play alongside players from St. Leo’s and Sizimisele in Molweni as Debby van der Heever (far right) looks on

That evening, the PPI-SA office staff reconvened with the Zients for a wonderful dinner, highlighted by PPI-SA veteran Ryan Douwie, who miserably failed to live up to the hype he had created about how much curry he could eat at the buffet. After another meal the following morning with PPI-SA board members, the Zients returned to the office for one final goodbye before heading off to the airport.

All of us at PPI-SA would like to thank the Zients for their visit and their generous donation to our program. Their son Josh will also be raising money for PPI at his upcoming bar mitzvah. We wish Josh and the rest of the Zients the best of luck in all of their future endeavors, and would like to extend a special thanks to the coaches and players in Molweni who braved less than ideal conditions to make their short stay memorable.

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by | August 10, 2012 · 5:07 pm

PPI-CY’s Annual Summer Camp: Development On and Off the Court

Today’s blog post was written by Ashley Johnson, PPI-Cyprus‘s newest fellow.

Camp, the best week of the year! That’s how I remember my experience as a kid growing up attending basketball camps.  I made new friends and played a game that I loved.  I left camp feeling inspired every year. This was our hope for the 32 Greek-Cypriot and 32 Turkish-Cypriot youth attending our annual summer camp.  We set out to inspire the youth as basketball players, while also inspiring them as individuals, to become proactive leaders in their own lives and within their respective communities.  While the youth worked hard throughout the week on the basketball court, they were also challenged in the classroom.

PPI-CY campers talk about personal leadership with Akis.

Our Peace and Leadership Curriculum, developed in partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Arbinger Institute, is central to our goals of uniting, educating, and inspiring the youth in our program.  Sessions on the court and in the classroom allow us to create a holistic approach to youth development, encouraging our kids to reach their full potential as basketball players and as individuals.  Fellow Ashley Johnson and Board member Akis Christofides began the classroom sessions for the week with two leadership sessions.  Ashley’s sessions began with the kids looking internally, talking about what leadership means, and determining how to cultivate the qualities of a positive leader within themselves.  Akis’s session built off of their understanding of role models and leadership, and stressed the importance of seeking to create a life full of passion and purpose. He inspired the kids with video clips of superstars like Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong.

Ashley uses her experience as a volunteer in the Peace Corps to start a discussion about the importance of serving others.

We then transitioned to another classroom session on service and volunteering.  The participants saw photos and listened to stories about Ashley Johnson’s experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon. learning that serving others, whether across the world or in one’s own community, not only positively impacts those whom you serve, but also greatly develops one’s own character.

With the kids beginning to think about and see themselves as integral members of a greater community, PPI-CY Managing Director, Marina Vasilera and Board member Tarik Tekman took the lead in the next two sessions.  The focus was on PPI’s signature peace-building curriculum, “The Anatomy of Peace.”  Through the Anatomy of Peace sessions, the kids began to examine the way they view others, evaluate whether they see others as individuals or as objects, and realize the importance of seeing the humanity within all individuals.

Campers share their work in a classroom session.

With such rich experiences throughout the week on and off the court, there is no doubt the campers returned to their homes inspired and empowered.  With their continued growth and development as PeacePlayers participants and leaders, it is our hope that youth will be able to positively shape the future of the island of Cyprus.

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by | August 9, 2012 · 9:10 pm

Thank You To The PPI Family For Opening My Eyes: A Letter From Sharon Zaidenras

Sharon Zaidenras has been working as PPI-ME’s Development Associate since April, but now it is time to say goodbye as Rifka Miyara returns from her 3 and a half month leave. Thank you, Sharon, for joining our family, for all of your hard work, and for sharing this powerful story.

PPI-ME’s youngest participants, ‘Minis,’ pose for a photo with LDP-ers, PPI staff, and American friends during the 2012 Middle East site visit at the Hand in Hand School in Jerusalem

Never once did I think I would work for an organization involved with coexistence in the Middle East.  I grew up in a small, predominately Jewish town in the Midwestern United States. Even with the physical distance between me and Israel, I had always had an intense connection. I was actually born in Israel, but left when I was 18 months old. I had aunts, uncles, cousins and even friends in Israel. With the distance, however, I shut my eyes to the conflict. I was scared for the people I held near, but as a young person, I never really acknowledged the severity of the situation. Not until December of 2005.  It was then that I realized how much my life would be affected when I lost a cousin in a suicide bombing.  I remember that day like it was yesterday, and ever since, I have carried a heavy heart wrapped with guilt and anger- I never imagined it could be mended.  Her death affected everyone in my family differently, but for me, it really affected my views on the conflict in the Middle East. Even though I had always wanted to go back to Israel, I avoided it for several years afterward.

I officially decided to make Aliyah (immigration to Israel) in February 2012. I had one motivation- the love of my life, Mark. I had always played with the idea of moving here to Israel, but never would have actually made the leap had it not been for him. So when I finally made the decision to come, I began to compartmentalize my life. I set my Aliyah date for April 9, quit my job, packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and headed to my Homeland to create a new life for myself.

Within the first two weeks of being here, I was offered a position as the Development Associate at PeacePlayers International – Middle East as Rifka‘s replacement for three and half months.  And thus I began the endeavor of working for an organization that uses the game of basketball, combined with a unique conflict resolution curriculum, to bring together Palestinian and Israeli children.  WHAT?  I know zero about basketball. And even less about conflict resolution (just ask my now fiancé!).

PPI participants in Tamra take time out from their ‘twinning’

It didn’t take me long, though, to really feel emotionally connected to the organization.  I went to my first basketball session (i.e. ‘Twinning’) in a little community up north in a town called Tamra.  Watching the Palestinian kids from Tamra and the Israeli kids from Zichron Ya’akov play basketball together- smiling, giggling, having fun, BEING KIDS- not thinking at all about hate, fear, or discomfort made me realize there could be no better way to solve an age-old conflict than by starting with the children.  It was so natural for them to play together, despite the fact that they were on two sides of a relentless conflict.  I left that twinning PROUD to be a part of such a movement.

In July, about fifteen friends of the organization came to see the unique way PPI works in the Middle East.  As the Development Associate, it was my job to coordinate their site-visit, down to their hotel reservations. From the moment they got off the plane, to their last seconds in this country, I was with them. We traveled around the country, and saw the many communities PPI–ME touches on a daily basis.  We met with teens in the Leadership Development Program (PPI-ME participants with demonstrated leadership potential, who at age 16 can volunteer as assistant coaches in their local neighborhoods, get involved in coach-training activities, and lead community service projects). These LDP-ers taught us about their personal experiences within the organization. They told us that over the years, their friendships have blossomed off the court, despite the fact that their parents may not be so happy about it;  they are determined to communicate with one another, whether it’s though Arabic, Hebrew, English, or the language of basketball; when they first started with PPI-ME, it wasn’t about building bridges, but more about playing the game- and over time, it grew into the idea of becoming friends. Everyone was touched by their stories, including me.

On the third day of the trip, we met with a Palestinian government representative, who spoke about her desire for peace. I was amazed at what she had to say about the political positions of both sides and about the emotional toll is has had on both communities. I cried silently in my seat, less for what she was saying, more for how I could have possibly waited so long to take a stand on the situation in the country I had always considered home.

As we were leaving, Karen asked me to share my cousin’s story. I immediately said no. Not because I didn’t want to share her story, but because of my paralyzing fear of speaking in front of crowds. But then I thought to myself, I owe it to these people to let them hear her story. So I told them about how she went to a mall in the city closest to hers with a friend. And as she walked in, she knew she was walking into a death trap.  And despite her efforts of getting away, she was killed. She left behind a husband and three kids, on top of parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. And there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t miss her. I told them this story to remind them that while many of us want peace, a lot of our scars are so fresh that it’s hard to let go.

Sharon smiles with previous PPI – ME player, Samer Jasser, who is now making it big playing college basketball in the U.S.

Fortunately for me, I finally had the opportunity to see the conflict from a different angle.  I saw the different ways basketball could really bring young people together. After all, in order to win, you have to rely on one another, use one another, and understand one another.  Watching these kids play together, I have been forever impacted by their compassion for one another.  I will never forget the image of two Palestinian girls sincerely excited to see their Israeli friend, regardless of the fact that they just saw her two days prior. I will never forget the love and passion of the local staff and how hard they work toward a peaceful solution. I will never forget my newfound friendships with my Palestinian and Israeli coworkers, who are nothing less than good friends and amazing people.

Thank you to Karen, Rifka, Githa, Samer, Vito, Nissreen, Oshra, Galit Shlomit, and the whole PPI family around the world for opening my eyes. I will take the message that PeacePlayers has ingrained in me everywhere I go- that children who play together CAN learn to live together. I know it’s true. I saw it with my own eyes.

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by | August 6, 2012 · 7:22 pm

Catching Up With PPI Alum Harry Morra (NI ’08)

Congratulations to former PPI-NI Operations Manager Harry Morra and his fiancé, former PPI-NI Managing Director Kelly Lyons, who are getting married later this month! Kelly is now the Director of External Affairs for Up2Us, a national coalition of sport-for-good organizations for community-building and youth development. We wish you both all the best! In the interview below, Harry talks about his work leading a group project to evaluate the impact of PPI’s Fellowship program.

Harry (third from left) and Kelly (second from right) at a Belfast Giants hockey game with friends from PPI. On this visit to Northern Ireland in March 2011, Harry and Kelly got engaged!

You’re currently working on your graduate degree at Lehigh University. Has your experience with PPI influenced your path?

Working with PPI, you get a taste of both the education field and the nonprofit world. When I came back, I decided that I really believed in education. I wanted to continue with what I had started to build. The program I liked most was comparative international education, or Globalization and Educational Change. It involves using qualitative and quantitative methods to study differences in education programs all across the world.

I’m focusing on a project in Cambodia, where there was a mass genocide of the educated class in the 1970s under Pol Pot. Today, there are no educated 30- to 60-year-old people in Cambodia. Cambodians are thirty years into redesigning education. Out in rural communities, schools aren’t common, and it’s not natural for a family to send a 5-year old child to school. I’m working with Caring for Cambodia, an organization that tries to get kids to come to school.

Tell us more about the research project! What can you tell us about the information you gathered?

We qualitatively evaluated how the PPI experience impacted each of us, as well as the overall value of program, by looking through the eyes of the people who actually went through it. A significantly high number of alums participated in the study- I think that goes to show that PPI has a close-knit family.

We found that the fellowship program is extremely valuable to PPI and has a ton of potential to grow. We drew comparisons to Fulbright and Rhodes scholarships. People who aspire to work in public policy, international relations, international law, community development, or education can use PPI as a stepping stone.

I learned that everybody feels the same way I do- they loved the experience and thought it was just life-changing.

What are some of your best memories of your work in Northern Ireland?

I was hired to start a coach training program in Northern Ireland. At the first session I organized, only one person came. I was really disappointed. I felt like I had failed. But 18 months later when I left PPI, we had a fully functioning coach training program. We were meeting with 30 coaches at a time, both PPI people and coaches from the greater community.

A scene from the past: Harry leads a single ID session at Bunscoil Primary School

Another favorite memory is getting to do the leadership development program. We borrowed the model they were using in South Africa, analyzed it, and reshaped and remolded it for Northern Ireland. We worked it from something on paper to something real.

My third, hands-down favorite memory is running the weekly twinnings. We felt like we were doing something that was so new- the kids just gravitated toward us, and they were from such a historically divided community. There were so many structural reasons for them to stay apart. Schools across the street from each other would let the kids out a half hour apart so that they would never see each other. So many things were stacked up against integration. I loved building relationships with the kids week in and week out, and getting the kids going toward a shared future.

What were you hoping to get out of your experience with PPI? How did you grow over the course of the experience?

For me, I wanted to gain a strong sense of individuality and independence. One of the major reasons I think people should be involved with PPI is that PPI allows you to put your money where your mouth is. It’s a lost easier said than done to try to live in a foreign country, use your education to help out, and implement something you believe in. PPI puts fellows and program directors in situations where they are really responsible for making the program happen. I found the confidence to follow through with the things I say, and found out who I am and what I wanted to work on for the rest of my life.

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by | August 2, 2012 · 4:59 pm

NBA Former All Stars Meet Future All Stars

This summer, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and PPI – ME partnered to hold a unique event in Jerusalem.  AIPAC was hosting fifteen retired NBA (National Basketball Association) players traveling within the framework of the ‘Athlete Ambassadors’ program, and wanted to introduce them to the unconventional way PPI uses basketball to bridge divides.

Among the athletes on the roster were Stephen Bardo, Dr. Dick Barnett, Kenny Battle, Willie Burton, Joe Barry Carroll, Cedric Ceballos, Dale Ellis, Spencer Haywood, Stephen Howard, Marvin Roberts, Danny Schayes, Sedric Toney, and Sam Vincent.

Breaking fast at the Beit Safafa Community Center

The event, held August 1, fell during the middle of Ramadan.  Therefore, to start things out, all of the NBA players, members of AIPAC and ‘Athlete Ambassadors’ teams, and about 20 PPI members and employees, broke fast together at the Beit Safafa Community Center.  Before everyone dug in, Muhammad Salman, a member of PPI – ME’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) started the meal with some insight as to what Ramadan is and what it means to the Muslim community.

After everyone (especially those who had been fasting for the day) finished eating, they were ready to get on the basketball court.  About 30 kids and their 15 new veerrrryyyy tall friends ran basketball drills, talked about the PPI curriculum, shot hoops, and strutted their stuff.  The kids got lessons from the NBA players, and taught their professional counterparts some of their moves.

Sharing moves on the court

It was evident that everyone took away something from the event.  While the kids learned new bball techniques, the basketball players saw firsthand how the sport they have been playing for years could actually help to solve centuries-old conflicts. Needless to say, everyone walked away far more knowledgeable.  A great time was had by all!

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by | August 1, 2012 · 8:52 pm

Thanks to PPI – Northern Ireland

This week’s blog post is written by PPI – Northern Ireland’s summer intern, Alberto. Read Alberto’s May post to “From the Field” here.

Alberto on the court

Hello again everybody,

It has been two months since I first wrote here. Since then, I have taken part in lots of events (twinning programme, Game of Three Halves, Spring Jam, CCL).

School time has ended for the summer, and we are now in the midst of our Interface Games camps in North, East, South and West Belfast. Unfortunately I will be here just for the North and West Belfast camps, but surely all of them are going amazing!

Here in the PPI-NI office, everything is going great. Colleagues are making me feel at home and we are helping each other out. I’m still meeting new people and learning new things, too.

Alberto leads a team-building activity

Spring Jam was such an interesting day. We worked with a huge number of children- all motivated, keen on playing, and really looking forward to meeting more kids. I had the luck to work on the team-building games with Patrick Harley. Everybody had fun there, not only children, but also the coaches and volunteers.

I am coming to the end of my time with PPI-NI. I will be sad to leave, but it has been an amazing placement and opportunity to work here.

I would like to thank everyone who has made it sweet to the beat!

Alberto (far left) with members of the PPI-NI staff

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by | July 31, 2012 · 7:33 pm

Personal Perspective: Andile Msomi at the Laureus YES Programme

A few weeks ago, PPI-SA blogged about the Laureus YES programme that some of our staff were selected to attend. One of those staff members was Andile Msomi, who coaches for PPI-SA. Andile wrote her own blog about her experience with the YES program, which we have decided to share with the wider PPI community. The transcript from Andile’s blog follows:

G and I, gazing across the dam, reflecting on the YES programme.

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to send my gratitude to PeacePlayers International (PPI) for giving me such a tremendous opportunity to take part in the Youth Empowerment through Sport (YES) program and meet such wonderful people. I couldn’t be any happier. It really is an honor and it means a lot that PPI saw potential and decided that I deserved the chance to enroll in this program.

Laureus has always been one of the “sports for good” organizations I like. Being involved with them, one way or the other, has always been my ultimate dream, and when Kristin (PPI co-worker) told me about the YES program opportunity, I knew I had to take advantage of it.  I was head over heels and cancelled all my plans, which were to represent my school at the USSA’s basketball tournament in Port Elizabeth.  It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was worth it.  I didn’t know that then, however.  That said, I knew this opportunity was once in a lifetime. USSA’s next year??

In a nutshell, the Laureus Youth Empowerment through Sport Programme (YES) is a six month pilot project aimed at “empowering young people to use sport as a tool to promote positive change in their lives and communities.”  The program is run by Mthokozisi Madondo, who is very authentic, most polite, grounded, kind, patient and caring. Mthoko goes beyond his job description and is always there for us, especially emotionally.

I was just amazed by the effort that Mthoko and his stakeholders put into making this program a great success. I learned a whole lot of different things, was challenged on so many different levels, and was given insight about a lot. From the guest speakers to the IT guys to the PPI fellow colleagues and the fellow participants; I learned so much from these amazing people. They gave me a chance to perceive the world around me differently, cautiously and broadly. You know, during and after the program I realized that life is a mystery; we learn everyday and just when you think you know it all, someone comes and reminds you that your room is not as full as you think it is. You’ll always have someone to present you with something new; you just have to choose to open up to them. Partaking in the activities and just being part of the group stimulated a whole lot of emotions.  I feared, I cried, I rejoiced, I cared, I laughed (sooo much), I sympathized and empathized, I was startled (…by Maloisane for making the banana disappear), I admired… I mean, I even got a glimpse of parts of me that I never thought I’d ever reach.

Beauty at it’s best, sunset over Shongweni’s Dam

I got a chance to overcome my greatest fears. Fear of height, water (… just deep water).  I went canoeing!  The anxiety, the adrenaline rush, and just giving my mates the benefit of the doubt, made it more fun and more special to me. It was great, period. The morning and the evening glory on the horizon and around me were as satisfying as the authentic beautiful smiles of people I was surrounded by.

I also got a pitch full of insight about a whole lot of LITTLE things that I barely pay attention to.  Yet the little things are crucial.  The little things are what make you whole as a person and an individual. Things like being aware of the group of people that are in and out of your circle of life, knowing what gives you life, and things like acknowledging how you treat and see people around you.   Do you see them as objects or equals?  These are some of the things that are unconsciously, sometimes intentionally, overlooked.   However, the little things are what make the complete being.

It was a privilege being part of the Laureus YES program.  I could not have spent my holidays differently or in any better way. It’s like someone sneaked into my brain, just saw all the blanks and automatically drove me into this program; the experience is irreplaceable and it was everything I needed. I hope Mthoko continues touching lives and developing youth for the betterment of themselves and the people around them.

Frankly, you all are amazing, and I’m glad to have met you.

Love, Andile Msomi

A link to Andile’s blog can be found here. Nasiphi Khafu, area coordinator for PPI-SA, also attended the YES program and has started her own blog about her experiences helping in the community. A link to Nasiphi’s blog can be found here.

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by | July 30, 2012 · 6:02 pm

The Peace Players International Fellowship

International Fellow (PPI-NI) Meghan Houlihan with Spring Jam 2012 champions the Liberty and team coach Ashling Hughes.

Since 2001, PPI has recruited 75 outstanding post-collegiate scholar-athletes to serve two year terms with its programs. PPI Fellows share their basketball expertise, serve as mentors and role models, and act as neutral facilitators for PPI coaches and participants. Fellows also benefit from an exceptional educational and professional experience abroad and are at the forefront of a worldwide movement to use sport as a vehicle for social change.

After completing their fellowships, PPI alumni have gone on to pursue careers in fields including finance, sports management, social entrepreneurship, and international development. They have attended graduate schools including the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Columbia University Business School, Tuft’s Fletcher School of Diplomacy, and the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Others have gone on to work for organizations like Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, ELEVATE New Orleans, MEET (Middle East Education Through Technology), and DuPlays (Social Sports in Dubai).

Adam Hirsch (PPI-CY ’12) completed his Fellowship this spring.

As part of his graduate degree, alumnus Harry Morra (NI ’08) is leading a research project at Lehigh University to evaluate the impact Fellows and Program Directors have had on PPI, as well as how Fellows’ international experiences have helped them grow as individuals. With this formal evaluation, PPI hopes to secure ongoing funding for the Fellows program.

Stay tuned for stories from PPI alumni who share how peace-building through sport has affected them professionally and personally.

Read alumnus Adam Hirsch’s reflection on his two and a half years in Cyprus here.

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by | July 26, 2012 · 3:49 pm

From the Archive: Say Hello to the Only Girls Basketball Program in the Entire Troodos Mountains!

This week, PPI – CY is hard at work at its annual summer camp! Today’s From the Field blog will take a look at a post from the past, from November 20, 2009. 

The Agros Girls team. Six new members joined the program at the beginning of September.

The Troodos Mountains stretch some 120 KM (about 75 miles) across the middle of Cyprus. This part of the island is known primarily for natural beauty, tranquility, cool temperatures, and its beautiful churches, some with world famous fresco paintings. The difference in temperature between the rest of the island and the Troodos is illustrated by the fact that during the winter months of January, February, and March there is skiing down the slopes of Mount Olympus (the highest peak on the island).

The Troodos Mountains cover a large part of the island. PPI-CY’s Agros team represents the only opporutnity for young girls to play basketball in the entire area.

When other PPI – CY teams practice outdoors during the day, PPI – CY’s program in Agros, a village in the Troodos, are held indoors with kids bundled up in sweat pants and sweat suits. While this area of Cyprus is known for many things, it is not primarily known for offering basketball programs for young girls. PeacePlayers International is changing that every week with its program in the picturesque village of Agros.

Of  the over 50 villages and towns that reside in and around the Troodos Mountains, none offer any type of basketball team or program for young girls. This year, PPI – CY can boast that we offer the only such program to young girls in the entire mountain range and its surrounding areas. In previous years, only a handful of girls participated in the Agros program, which was dominated by boys. When practice started this year, veteran PPI – CY members Galateia Kitromili, Skevi Hatzinikolaou, Irene Kostea, and Stavroula Stavrou showed up with a bundle of their friends wanting to participate in PeacePlayers, and Coach Antonis Tsolakis was more than happy to oblige.

While in years past maybe one or two girls would show up for practice, Team Agros now fields an entire team during each practice and at bi-communal events. “I like Peaceplayers,” says Skevi, “it provides an opportunity to make new friends, and helps us with communication with new people.” PPI – CY is clearly providing an opportunity that these girls cherish and are intent on taking advantage of in the future. Fellow veteran Irene Kostea told this blogger that “I have played three years now with PPI – CY. I want to play again next year, and the next year because its fun and I want to continue to play.”

Galateia, Stavroula, and Skevi, Agros’ most experienced participants, this past September at the Earthdance Streetball Festival.

What is great about the PPI – CY girls program in Agros is that the combination of new and old members illustrates the impact that PPI – CY can have on the mindset of a young Greek-Cypriot. When asked if they get nervous, or if playing basketball with girls from ‘the other side’ is a difficult task, the four girls with previous PPI – CY experience respond, almost in unison, “No, it is so much easy…and fun.” However, the newer members responded that during PPI – CY’s Earthdance Streetball Festival this past September, as first-timers it was hard to play with kids from across the island’s divide. They quickly clarified that it was just hard to try and play basketball with kids when they could not speak the same language, and, at times, it proved to be very frustrating.

For most children, first participating in one of PPI – CY’s twinnings, tournaments, or bi-communal events is a mental and physical challenge, for both Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot children. However, as has been proven numerous times, with each jump shot, outlet pass, and high-five that takes place in a bi-communal setting, these tasks become less nerve-wracking. They become normal, every-day experiences for Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot children. If the well-rounded character of Agros’ experienced members is any indication, its newest members will grow more accustomed to playing with girls from the Turkish-Cypriot community, and will show the entire island just how powerful the game of basketball can be when bringing together its divided inhabitants.

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by | July 8, 2011 · 2:02 pm

PPI-Cyprus Gets a Visit from PPI Board Member, Sean Burns

Sean (second from left) enjoys a traditional Cypriot lunch with the some of the PPI-CY staff.

Last month, PeacePlayers – Cyprus was fortunate to spend the week hosting Sean Burns, a board member of PeacePlayers – International. Sean was traveling with his friend Graham through the region on vacation, visiting friends in Dubai and Turkey, before making the short trip to Cyprus to visit PPI-CY.

Sean and Graham arrived on a momentous day for PPI-CY. As their plane was touching down, myself, Gunnar, and PPI-CY board member, Ercan, were playing in the finals of the Cyprus 3-on-3 street ball tournament. Sadly we came in second (Ercan missed a crucial free throw at the end), but we were full of excitement as we all met Sean the following day to tell him the story of the game. Sean was quick to point out that had he only arrived a little earlier, he would have played with us, thus ensuring a victory (he liked to talk a big game).

Sean takes a photo of the PPI 3-on-3 team as they walk along the Kyrenia Harbor.

But whatever his basketball talents are, Sean is an incredible athlete, coach and a great person to be around. In addition to being an active board member with PeacePlayers – International, Sean is also an executive coach and a professional speaker and trainer. He works with executives and entrepreneurs on their leadership, team-building and goal-setting skills. Previously, Sean played professional tennis and served as the men’s tennis coach at Santa Clara University from 1993-2002. Sean was named the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year four times and led the Broncos to national rankings in each of his last three campaigns.

While in Cyprus, we did our best to be good hosts and take Sean and Graham to some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the island, including St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia Harbor and the beaches of Limassol. We even had a chance to take Sean to a professional basketball match in the Turkish-Cypriot community.

Kids playing Germanico at the PPI-CY Water Sports Day.

Sean also joined us for the PeacePlayers Water Sports Day with the kids from the Agios Antonios Schools. The Agios Antonios Schools are part of a special program that works specifically with kids that come from low-income and high-risk households. Over two days, we took 160 children from these schools to the beach and gave them a chance to try out different water sports such as kayaking, sailing and rowing. We even had an area set up to play Germanico (a Cypriot version of dodge ball) where myself, Gunnar and Sean played with the kids.

Sean with PPI-CY Board President Akis Christofides.

Sean also made time to meet with some members of the PPI-CY board to discuss some of the frustrations and successes of the PPI-CY program and to give his own thoughtful advice. It was great to hear some of his thoughts on PPI and some of the ways we could help our organization improve.

Gunnar and I had a great time spending the week with Sean and Graham. Whether discussing the complex political situation in Cyprus, or talking about every obscure college basketball player ever (Sean’s knowledge is impressive…), their presence was both fun and meaningful. On behalf of everyone at PPI-CY, it was a pleasure to have them spend a week with us and we feel lucky to have Sean be a part of the PeacePlayers family.

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