Tag Archives: PeacePlayers International – South Africa

by | June 11, 2013 · 1:57 pm

Durban Ushers in Winter with City Extravaganza

Teams gather for a group photo after the City Extravaganza.

Teams gather for a group photo after the City Extravaganza in Durban.

Greetings all of you sun-basking, summer-loving, northern hemisphere citizens. Down here in South Africa, winter* is setting in. Schools are getting ready to shut their doors for the winter holiday period, meaning PPI-SA must take a break from normal programming as well (though we have a couple of holiday events up our sleeves). Before the schools here shut down sports to go into full-blown, DEFCON-1 exam mode, we had one last finale in the city before basketballs turn into books for a couple of weeks: the city extravaganza, an event involving all four of PPI’s city schools (Glenmore, Carrington, Berea, Durban Primary) along with former PPI powerhouse, Addington Primary.

PPI's Mtu Zulu encourages a Carrington player during the dribbling competition.

PPI’s Mtu Zulu encourages a Carrington player during the dribbling competition.

The five schools converged on Durban Primary School for an afternoon full of competitions, games, friendships, and life lessons. Four of the schools brought both a boys and a girls team, while Berea brought only a girls team (they are an all-girls school), for a total of nine teams at the event. The day began with skill competitions in shooting, dribbling, and defense, which were very closely contested by each of the schools. Following the competitions, each team played two games. The winner of each game received points that were added to the points they were awarded during competitions.

In addition to awarding teams for their performance in games and competitions, points were given out for the teams that showed the best support for their teammates, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the event. Individual honors went to the player on each team who displayed the best sportsmanship, effort, and attitude. These players were dubbed “Champions for Peace” for the day.

International Fellows Kristin Degou (L) and Kyler McClary (R) with the four "Champions for Peace".

International Fellows Kristin Degou (L) and Kyler McClary (R) with the four “Champions for Peace”.

Though Addington proved to be the strongest team in games, Carrington’s overall performance in the competitions, games, and support column pushed them to an overall victory for the day. The final standings are listed below:

Carrington – 180 (pts.)

Addington – 170

DPS – 150

Glenmore – 150

Berea – 100

Congratulations to all of our participants on completing another term of basketball and good luck on exams!

*Durban winters are the worst; just look at those chilly morning temperatures!

weather winter

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by | June 3, 2013 · 1:36 pm

International Fellowships offer Americans unique opportunity to bridge divides, bring peace

South Africa International Fellow, Kristin Degou, during a basketball practice with her PeacePlayers team

South Africa International Fellow, Kristin Degou, during a basketball practice with her PeacePlayers team

While every individual involved in PeacePlayers is absolutely necessary, the 75 international fellows who have volunteered at each of the PPI sites since 2001 are an integral part of the PPI program. PPI’s International Fellowship program offers outstanding post-collegiate scholar athletes the opportunity to serve two year terms in any of the PPI sites: Northern Ireland, South Africa, the Middle East, or Cyprus. PPI Fellows provide basketball expertise to the children involved in the program, serve as mentors and role models, and act as neutral facilitators between PPI coaches and participants.

Megan Houlihan with a group of PeacePlayers in Northern Ireland

Megan Houlihan with a group of PeacePlayers in Northern Ireland

While each fellow must fulfill the expectations of the program, some join PPI already interested in a certain aspect of the organization’s mission. Megan Houlihan of New York joined the PPI family in 2010, when she worked as an International Fellow at PPI’s Northern Ireland site. One of her main goals for her time in Ireland was to inspire young girls in the area. “I really believe that involvement in sport allows young girls to develop a sense of self-confidence and assertiveness,” she said. “On a larger scale, that can play into the integral role women have in achieving peace in conflict situations.”

In addition to acting as a mentor, role model, and facilitator to the different groups involved in PPI, many International Fellows go above and beyond to immerse themselves in the divided communities in which they are working. Adam Hirsch worked as an International Fellow at PPI’s Cyprus site from 2010-2012. While in Cyprus, Adam organized 3 mural projects at disadvantaged schools. One of these projects was for the children of Agios Antonios Elementary School in Limassol. Agios Antonios is very unique in that it is one of a handful of schools in Cyprus that has students of Greek-Cypriot, Turkish-Cypriot, and Roma descent. The murals depicted the key elements of the PeacePlayers mission: hope, peace, and of course, basketball. Adam said of the project, “The finished product was more than just something nice to look at; it was something the kids could see every day and be proud of, showing the world just how much potential they have if given an opportunity.”

International Fellow, Adam Hirsch, in front of the mural at Agios Antonios in Cyprus

International Fellow, Adam Hirsch, in front of the mural at Agios Antonios in Cyprus

Upon completing their fellowships, alumni of the PPI International Fellowship program have gone on to careers in fields including finance, technology, sports management, social entrepreneurship, and international development and have attended graduate schools including the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Columbia University Business School, and Tuft’s Fletcher School of Diplomacy. Thibault Manekin, a 2003-2006 fellow from the PPI-South Africa program, said, “…one of [PPI's] biggest lessons was how much we [Fellows] learned about people, and that’s translated really well into the work [I am] doing now.” Thibault currently heads Seawall Development, a company which is innovatively revitalizing Baltimore’s abandoned industrial landscape.

Adam reiterated the importance of his experience as a PPI Fellow, and encourages others to participate in the International Fellowship Program. He said, “I am so grateful to those who made this experience possible, but the impact of the PPI Fellows is ongoing, and there are a lot more children and communities that can benefit from our work.”

PPI is now accepting applications for the International Fellowship program. Applications can be found here.

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by | May 28, 2013 · 1:12 pm

Big Walk Photos!

PPI staff members set out from the starting line. From L to R: Eddy Bishogo (coach), Andile Msomi (coach), Sifiso Mchunu (coach), Kristin Degou (fellow), Thobani Khumalo (office staff), and Musawenkosi Manda (coach).

PPI-SA staff members set out from the starting line. From L to R: Eddy Bishogo (coach), Andile Msomi (coach), Sifiso Mchunu (coach), Kristin Degou (fellow), Thobani Khumalo (office staff), and Musawenkosi Manda (coach).

Two weeks ago on this blog, PPI-SA announced their plans to participate in the 2013 Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk to promote active, healthy lifestyles. As ambassadors for sport in the region, PPI-SA felt it was imperative to show up and support the largest athletics event of the year in Durban. All of PPI-SA’s office staff, along with several coaches, participated.

The 5K walk took place this past weekend with more than 30,000 people walking the Durban beachfront under beautiful, sunny skies. We just wanted to pop back in to share some photos with you all!  Once again, thanks to Laureus for sponsoring our registration fees and providing us with cool shirts and hats.

Ryan Douwie strikes a pose mid-walk.

Ryan Douwie strikes a pose mid-walk.

Mtu and crew impressively did the whole 5K while pushing a baby in a pram (stroller).

Mtu and crew impressively did the whole 5K while pushing a baby in a pram (stroller).

Ntobeko and Debby take a quick break for a photo

Ntobeko and Debby take a quick break for a photo

Despite the throngs of people, it was always easy to spot Kyler's big white frame popping out of the crowd.

Despite the throngs of people, it was always easy to spot Kyler’s big white frame popping out of the crowd (center, blue shirt).

More walking.

More walking.

Celebrating the while crossing the finish line (we are in blue).

Celebrating while crossing the finish line (we are in blue).

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by | April 30, 2013 · 1:30 pm

An Update From the Laureus YES Programme

The 9 PPI-SA coaches at this year's Laureus YES Programme

The 9 PPI-SA coaches at this year’s Laureus YES Programme

A few weeks ago, we proudly announced that 9 of our PPI-SA coaches had been selected to take part in the Laureus Youth Empowerment through Sport (YES) Programme. Our coaches have just returned from the first leg of their training, a 10-day retreat to Shongweni Dam just outside of Durban. While we are busy gathering feedback and stories from our coaches, please enjoy this blog written by PPI-SA coach Andile Msomi after day 5 of the training. Andile participated in the YES pilot programme last year and was asked to return this year to help the first-year participants along:

It is almost the end of day five of the Laureus YES program at Shongweni Dam Spirit of Adventure. This place is a constant reminder that the “earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair”. I couldn’t be anywhere else but here. I adore everything about this place; the people, the air, the mountains, the trees; it just makes me think, wow… this is what it is to be happy.

The breathtaking scenery at Shongweni Dam

The YES Leaders 2013 have been consistently working hard, pulling a sweat every day. Every day is presented with a variety of a combination of accredited and non accredited activities that brings out the best in everyone in so many different levels; The leaders shared that, when they partake in these activities their “confidence is challenged, they are put under pressure, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, it’s beautiful, enlightening, and adventurous’’. They added that “nothing is impossible”. Therefore, a lot of emotions are being shaken, catered for, provoked and tested. However, all of this is “crazy fun”!

Today was filled with exhilarating activities. In the morning there were seminars where people presented on anything and everything. The presentations were amazing; you could tell that people put effort into it even when presenting is not everyone’s

Zebras are spotted just outside the camp.

Zebras are spotted just outside the camp.

strongest attribute. This goes to show that continuous effort, not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking one’s potential. It was an honor sitting through the presentations and hearing people presenting about things that affects them spiritually and emotionally, positively and negatively. To mention a few topics, “21st century youth vs. the olden day youth”, “personal inner drive”, “love” etc. They were real. Two big events that took place today were abseiling and jumping down the dam wall that is 7 meters (23 ft.) high. A lot of emotions and feelings were apparently floating in the air. Some felt thrilled, it was a breakthrough for some, and some were threatened, a victory for some, and others were phobic and afraid. And for me, it was a reminder that water has the power to take lives. I respect nature and its course, I admire its peacefulness, and I recognize its presence because it is just too beautiful and truthful to be missed. But mostly, I envy its power and abilities.

One of the many activities at the YES training

Privileged, blessed and lucky would understate the feelings I have towards the discovery of the Laureus YES program. The program continuously turns the leaves of hope and faith for me. It just humbles me to be given an opportunity to be part of this program that equips me with the skills to be a better person, to be resilient in life, to accept myself and the world around me, to lead and follow when needed, to learn, face my fears, explore and to be around people that seeks to better themselves and the people around them. YES is home away from home, it’s my shoulder to lean on, it’s my breakthrough, it’s a ladder towards my sunny days. Moreover, it’s a reminder that wherever I go, no matter the weather, I should always try to bring my own sunshine.

The leaders this year are great beyond words, I have learnt so much from them in the past 5 days and excited to learn some more for the rest of the journey. I am thankful to Laureus for continuously giving the opportunities to learn and be surrounded by such amazing souls.
Love,
Andile
p.s. just remember that when it is dark enough, you can see the stars

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by | March 27, 2013 · 2:36 am

Pro Basketball Announces Its Return to South Africa

SA Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula announces the formation of the BNL, a professional basketball league for South Africa.

SA Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula announces the formation of the BNL, a professional basketball league for South Africa.

The South Africa national championships of basketball took place over the weekend in Johannesburg, with each of the 9 provinces entering a men’s and women’s team. The South Africa Defence Force also provided a men’s and women’s side, rounding out the tournament at 10 teams. The tournament showcased the best basketball players from each region in South Africa, but the centrepiece of this year’s tournament was the announcement that professional basketball would be making its return to South Africa this year.

Professional basketball had a good run in South Africa from 1993 to 1996, and had a brief, 3-month return in 2006 before collapsing again under the continual problems of insufficient funding and poor governance. On Friday, however, South Africa’s Minister of Sport attended the national championships to announce that a 12-team league (known as the BNL) will begin play in September, including teams from all 9 provinces. The news received a warm welcome from players at the tournament, many who have a great passion for the game but nowhere to play outside of pickup games, informal local leagues, and the annual national tournament.

As far as the tournament itself, Kwa-Zulu Natal Province (which includes Durban) was coached by PPI-SA HR/Finance Manager

PPI-SA's Mtu Zulu (on the mic) coached the Kwa-Zulu Natal team (background) at the national championships

PPI-SA’s Mtu Zulu (on the mic) coached the Kwa-Zulu Natal team (background) at the national championships

Mtu Zulu and International Fellow Kyler McClary (that’s me!) went 5-1, with their lone loss coming in the championship game against perennial power Gauteng Province (which includes the major cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria). Although Kwa-Zulu Natal held a small lead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, Gauteng’s size and depth was overpowering down the stretch. Nonetheless, Kwa-Zulu Natal made a strong showing and displayed a wealth of young, up and coming talent. Over the course of the tournament they defeated eventual 3rd place winner North West Province by 25 points, eventual 4th place winner Limpopo by 10 points, 5th place Mpumalanga by 40 points, traditional power Western Cape (Cape Town and surrounding area) by 30 points, and Northern Cape by 65 points.

The need for a professional league was evident throughout the tournament, as many players struggled against top competition due to lack of exposure to that level of play. The BNL and the exposure it will provide for players will benefit all South African hoopers, but especially those in provinces that don’t include the major population centers of Johannesburg/Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town. Consistent competition against the top players in South Africa, an organized training schedule, and a sprinkling of foreign players mixed in will help the level of basketball played in South Africa skyrocket. There are even talks of a television contract with SuperSport, who would televise the BNL games to a national audience, which will bolster the game’s national profile. SuperSport was at the tournament all weekend capturing highlights, interviews, and the title game for future airing.

Perhaps most importantly, the BNL will provide youth basketball players in the country, including all of PPI-SA’s 600+ participants, more motivation to play the game and continue developing their skills. There are finally opportunities to look forward to for young basketball players in South Africa, and a platform for them to showcase the skills they have acquired. I can’t wait to tell the kids.

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by | January 30, 2013 · 12:30 am

PPI-SA Coaches Get Hands-On Training

PPI-SA coaching applicants got a chance to show of their coaching skills last week.

PPI-SA coaching applicants got a chance to show of their coaching skills last week.

It’s been a long holiday break for PPI-SA, but now that schools are back in session it’s time to get the ball rolling on the 2013 PPI program.  Over the break we came to the realization that, no matter how big our plans, hopes, and desires are for our organization, everything starts with the quality of our coaches. After all, they are the ones working directly with the kids and delivering the program we have developed. Quality coaching is the product of two key ingredients: quality people and quality training. It is our job to ensure not only that we hire the right people, but that we give those people the tools they need to bring out the change we hope to see in our participants.

This year, PPI-SA went through its most extensive process to date to ensure we have hired the right people to coach our participants. Applicants were required to submit a C.V. (resumé) and come in for a formal interview. Then, we took the entire field of applicants to the courts where they took part in basketball drills and games to show off their knowledge and command of the sport, as well as other traits such as work ethic and coachability. The following day, everyone was invited back to courts where they were each given 10 minutes to facilitate a basketball drill to the rest of the applicants. This gave us an idea of who has the teaching, facilitation, and speaking skills necessary to effectively deliver our program content.

PPI-SA's Ntobeko Ngcamu leads a team building exercise during training.

PPI-SA’s Ntobeko Ngcamu leads a team building exercise during training.

After the weekend, those coaches who we felt had the skills and traits we were looking for were invited back to go through hands-on training of our brand new 2013 program manual. Over two days, the coaches played the role of program participants as PPI-SA office staff put them through all of the life skills activities and basketball drills that they will need to know for the upcoming term. Through this process, coaches learned the correct way to administer the drills and activities, find and address teachable moments, and facilitate discussion to extract key points and messages.

There were many old faces at the training who we know and trust to be good coaches, and they did not disappoint. But even more exciting were the several new faces who showed great potential as coaches and leaders and will hopefully form the foundation for the next generation of PPI-SA coaches.

Going forward, PPI-SA is committed to quality over quantity, even if that means temporarily shrinking the number of schools we work with while we strive to find the RIGHT people to coach at those schools. It also means giving our better coaches the opportunity to work at multiple schools, where their value can reach a greater number of kids. 2013 is the year for PPI-SA to put its best foot forward and set the standard for how we want to present ourselves to the communities in which we work. The results of this year’s hiring, interview, and training process has everyone excited that our 2013 vision is off to a promising start.

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by | January 22, 2013 · 3:08 pm

A Tribute to a Legend

RIP Marvin Newman

Marvin Newman, who worked for the South Africa branch of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, passed away unexpectedly last week.

Last Tuesday, January 15, PPI-SA received the devastating news that our friend and colleague, Marvin Newman, had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Marvin worked for the South Africa branch of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a close partner of PPI-SA and a pioneer in the field of sport for social change. Below is a post written by PPI-SA Marketing Manager Ryan Douwie, who was close with Marvin not only through work, but outside the office as well. Just two months ago, Ryan and Marvin traveled to Barcelona, Spain for the Laureus Global Summit where they shared lots of fun times together:

When I first heard the news of the passing of Marvin, I was shocked. My heart sank as I sat in my chair and wondered, “Is this real?” Just a few weeks ago, we were rocking and rolling in Barcelona, sharing laughter, joy and silently celebrating the great news that he would soon be joining Mario and I in fatherhood.

Ryan (left) and Marvin (2nd from left) show off for the camera in Barcelona.

Ryan (left) and Marvin (2nd from left) show off for the camera in Barcelona.

Marvin was an advocate for all the projects that Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – South Africa (LSFG) funded. I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend time with him, both socially and through work, before he sadly left us. Our time was always well spent, talking about life and somehow or the other, we got to chatting about work. Marvin’s passion for driving social change was remarkable. He was a true ambassador for LSFG and South Africa as a whole.

I remember our last moments, and every time I think of Spain, I giggle in silence. It was in Barcelona where Marvin, Mario (our mutual friend and founder of Great Commission United) and I spent some quality time together. My room was always the rendezvous point and I can clearly remember after arriving on the first day, all three of us wandering the streets of Barcelona, talking about life, love and how us three coloured folk from South Africa have defied all odds to be where we are today.

Through Marvin’s passing, I am reminded to live everyday as if it was my last. Love, laugh, share and give everything your all! Although his passing is a tough one to accept, I know his legacy will live on, in everyone’s lives that he has touched.

Rest well my brother and until our souls cross paths again, Rest in Peace!

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by | January 14, 2013 · 7:16 pm

And the Golden Globe goes to… PeacePlayers!

Golden Globe Hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, highlight a night saluting girl power

Golden Globe hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, shine in a night full of girl power

Last night as America tuned in to see our television and movie celebrities awkwardly accept their awards on the 70th edition of the Golden Globes, we couldn’t help but feel the urge to give our own awkward thank you speech to our very own celebrities, the many coaches and staff that run our PeacePlayers programs around the world. In Belfast, coaches in the PPI - Northern Ireland program bring children from historically conflicting  Protestant and Catholic communities together in another celebratory event, basketball. The Northern Ireland staff did a particularly great job this year, hosting several large tournaments, as well as participating the Belfast Interface Games, that featured another star, NBA center Brook Lopez! 

Many of PPI's programs focus on empowering women through sport

Many of PPI’s programs focus on empowering women through sport

In Cyprus, our staff brought hundreds of Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot girls and boys together to play basketball on mixed teams in the United Nations Buffer Zone, the one place in the country where the children can meet on neutral ground. At the same time, PPI - South Africa helped kids deal with issues like HIV/AIDS, teaching them skills to overcome peer pressure and become young leaders in their communities. The big blockbuster hits out of the PPI – Middle East program include the All-Star League, the Jerusalem Peace League and the Jerusalem Girls Basketball League that feature players from Arab and Jewish communities in Israel and the West Bank.

The Golden Globes had a lot of girl power last night. From Tina Fey and Amy Pohler’s hilarious hosting to Lena Dunham’s TV show “Girls” winning big. Former President Bill Clinton made an appearance to introduce the Steven Spielberg film “Lincoln.” But show host Poehler delighted the crowd when she returned to the stage and said ecstatically, “That was Hillary Clinton’s husband!” Girls are showing off their power in PeacePlayers too. Last year, girls made up 54% of PPI’s total participants, and several programs are dedicated solely to helping women overcome social barriers.

Actors often talk about all the hard work and dedication that goes into winning a Golden Globe, but I would like to recognize all the coaches, mentors and players involved in PPI, who pour their heart and soul into basketball and peace building every day. The exit music is starting to play, but before they escort us off the stage, I want to say thanks to all of our supporters around the world who help PeacePlayers make our globe a little more golden.

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by | December 31, 2012 · 9:28 pm

Happy New Years from PeacePlayers International

Summer Banner
2012 has been an exciting year for PeacePlayers International. In just the last year PPI has worked with more than 4,000 youth in our sites in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Cyprus and South Africa. But the simple task of bringing children together to play basketball has not always been easy. With bombs dropping in Israel and Gaza, and riots on the streets of Belfast, PPI has had to rely on the strength of our local leadership and from our supporters around the world in order to continue to improve the lives of so many youth in these conflict torn communities. With these challenges behind us, PPI looks towards 2013 to be our most impactful year yet. As we get ready to make the transition, here are just a few highlights of PPI’s programming from the past year:

PPI - Middle East Teens Rise Above Conflict and Get Pointers from NBA and Golf Stars

28839_206628066138358_1283117983_n1In the midst of the violence between Israel and Gaza, a group of Palestinian and Israeli PeacePlayers got together to prove that their friendships were not so easily threatened by the missiles raining down on either side of the border. In two events, one a basketball clinic led by former NBA greats Brian Scalabrine and Will Perdue and the other a golf clinic led by golf legends Amy Alcott,Hunter Mahan, Sean Foley and Michael Thompson, youth from East Jerusalem, West Jerusalem and Holon got to forget momentarily the recent trouble in the region. The events were made possible by PPI board member and top sports agent Arn Tellem and his wife Nancy, who hosted the events as part of a golf-inspired mission to Israel.

PPI- South Africa Builds a New Basketball Court in Waterloo

IMG_1704In November PPI-SA built a brand new basketball court for a school in Waterloo that will be used to teach hundreds of new children. Situated in a landscape of rolling hills north of Durban, Waterloo represents a brand new area for the PPI-SA program. When the new school year starts in January, Waterloo will be prepared to enter both a boys and girls team into the primary school league where the teams will have the opportunity to travel and host teams from other communities.

PPI- Northern Ireland Participates in the Belfast Interface Games (BIG)

ppi-lopez-01The Belfast Interface Games (BIG), organized by the Belfast Interface Project and PeacePlayers International, brought hundreds of children from all backgrounds and both sides of the sectarian divide together for a sports spectacular. Children had a chance to play soccer, Gaelic football and rugby with local sports legends. Brooklyn Nets Center, Brook Lopez, made the trip across the Atlantic to participate in the event. The event showcased the powerful potential of sport for community relations and peace-building work.

PPI – Cyprus Holds Bicommunal Summer Camp with NBA and WNBA Stars

557225_4319582076611_1514706332_nIn July PPI-CY organized an overnight Bicommunal Basketball Summer Camp that brought 64 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot boys and girls together for a week of sports and team building activities. PPI-CY had the privilege of hosting NBA Nets Assistant Coach, Doug Overton, his wife, and former WNBA player Shaunziski Gortman during the duration of the camp. The summer camp showed how real bridging of divides happens not just on the court, but also during meal times and evening activities. Doug Overton also held a coaches seminar for over 20 coaches from both sides during his stay to help in coaching techniques and practices of coaches for youth level basketball. Both the coaches seminar and our camp were widely covered in the media and on the main news program of one of the major TV channels.

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by | December 26, 2012 · 6:39 pm

Christmas Day’s “Other” Big Game

Christmas morning basketball is an annual tradition in Lamontville, South Africa.

Christmas morning basketball is an annual tradition in Lamontville, South Africa.

In America, sports and holidays are often intertwined.  New Year’s Day belongs to college football and its postseason bowls. Last month, millions of people tuned in to watch NFL games on Thanksgiving, as they do every year. Christmas is a day for the NBA, which always saves marquee matchups and big-market showdowns for December 25th. Over the years, I have gotten accustomed to relaxing after Christmas morning activities by watching the NBA’s best teams battle it out against each other. However, I always thought that sports and holidays were more of an American thing.

This year I spent Christmas in South Africa, my first Christmas in a foreign country. Much to my surprise and delight, I learned that America doesn’t have a monopoly on the whole ‘basketball on Christmas’ idea. Long before Boston and Brooklyn tipped-off their game to begin the Christmas NBA marathon, long before the team formerly known as the Lakers squeaked out a win over the team posing as the Knicks, in the first hours of the American morning when the Heat and Thunder players were still sleeping, another traditional Christmas Day basketball game tipped-off. This one was played a world away, in the township of Lamontville, South Africa, where every Christmas morning people gather to play basketball at the township’s main court. They play an annual game pitting the “new school” vs. the “old school”. The “new school” is made up of the younger generation and is comprised of players in their late teens and early 20’s. The “old school” is made up of guys who may have passed their prime basketball-playing years but still love to play the game. Many “old schoolers” have grown-up, gotten jobs, and moved out of the township, but they return on Christmas morning to lace up their shoes and take on the newest generation of Lamontville hoopers.

Lamontville Xmas 2

Some Lamontville Christmas hoops action (click to enlarge)

This Christmas, I was invited to come play with the “new school” team.  The demand for Christmas morning basketball is high enough to where several games are played, as each side has 15-20 players and everyone wants to log time on the court. Many of the players have been affiliated with PeacePlayers as either a participant or coach, past and present. In addition to all the players, many members of the community, young and old, gathered to watch the games taking place. Some stopped for a few minutes on their way to do other things, others brought chairs and set them on the small ridge overlooking the court.

I balled in a Santa hat, spreading Christmas joy and cheer with a dazzling array of basketball greatness (ok I actually played pretty poorly, but in my defense, one of the hoops had a badly deformed rim which created a challenge to a degree which I have not faced since trying to pound the circle block into the square hole when I was a toddler.) The oldies got the best of the youngsters, winning about 80% of the games, but the day was about more than wins and losses. Everyone had fun, reunited with old friends, and, at least for me, made a lot of new ones.

This year’s Christmas Day NBA games were very exciting and entertaining to watch, but they weren’t the only ones being played on that day. Next Christmas, as you settle onto your couch to catch the first NBA game of the day, just remember that the Christmas Day basketball marathon has already started. It started 11 hours ago, in a little place called Lamontville, South Africa.

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