Tag Archives: PeacePlayers

by | May 15, 2013 · 2:30 pm

Are you a Champion 4 Peace?

Champion (Champ-eeh-on) - noun:

  1. a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place.
  2. anything that takes first place in competition.
  3. an animal that has won a certain number of points in officially recognized shows.
  4. a person who fights for or defends any person or cause.
  5. a fighter or warrior.

Champion 4 Peace:

  1. Someone who catalyzes positive social change, thereby creating a more peaceful society.

Each year PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland brings together 2,000 young Catholics and Protestants from areas least likely to embrace peace or coexistence efforts, and uses sport  as a tool to help them understand and overcome conflict. Last year PPI-NI introduced the Ambassador Programme, which gave participants a voice and the opportunity to lead the programmes in which they were involved. The goal was to create a class of new PPI leaders, young champions for peace who actively contribute to creating a more peaceful society.

This year the programme got a face-lift – the programme was split into Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) and renamed “Champions 4 Peace” (C4P). Over the next few months our Senior C4Ps will be working on fundraising, event planning, and facilitation skills, while the Junior C4Ps work on a fundraising event, recruitment of new C4Ps, and volunteering at the Spring Jam Tournament. In addition, both groups have shown an interest in developing a documentary film as a way of recruiting new members!

Are you a Champion 4 Peace? Share your story in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter.

If you are interested in getting more information about the PPI-NI Champions 4 Peace programme or want to help in any way with the programme, please contact Joanne Fitzpatrick at jfitzpatrick@peaceplayersintl.org.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Global, Northern Ireland

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | May 10, 2013 · 3:44 pm

Happy Mother’s Day from PeacePlayers!

PeacePlayer Dimitris Charalambous and his mother Cleopatra

Cleopatra Charalambous and her son, Dimitris, outside of Larnaca, Cyprus

If it weren’t for the love, support and encouragement of our mom’s we wouldn’t be the people we are today. That is why this week, in honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to get to know one of our amazing PPI moms, Cleopatra Charalambous,  mother of one of our very special young leaders, Dimitris.

PeacePlayer Dimitris Charalambous and his mother Cleopatra

Dimitris and his mother Cleopatra in their home in Larnaca

Cleopatra was raised in London but returned to Cyprus over 20 years ago.  A mother of four, and working full-time at UCLAN University in Pyla, Cyprus, Cleopatra is quite a busy woman.  She is the epitome of hard working, loving moms worldwide who balance their professionalism with the invaluable task of raising and shaping their children into the young leaders they dream for them to become.

Having been raised in the multi-cultural atmosphere that is London, Cleopatra  developed an understanding of the importance of respecting other cultures and seeing people as people.  Even while raising her children in the quiet community of Larnaca, Cleopatra has managed to pass along these important  values to her children.

Dimitris (left) getting ready to play with his bi-communal team at the Hasna Cup in Norway

Dimitris (left) getting ready to play with his bi-communal team at the Hasna Cup in Norway

Six months ago Cleopatra’s 16 year old son Dimitris joined PeacePlayers and has already become a standout participant. After demonstrating leadership on and off the court, Dimitris was chosen to attend our Leadership Development Camp in Kantara  and travled to Norway with the PeacePlayers bi-communal boys’ team to compete in the Hansa Cup.

“PeacePlayers has been such a great opportunity for Dimitris, it is only too bad that he found out about the organization so late.  He doesn’t want to detach from the organization so when he finishes playing he wants to become a PeacePlayers leader.”

Dimitris with his new friend Tunc at the LDP camp in Kantara

Dimitris (left) with his new friend, Tunc, at the LDP camp in Kantara

Cleopatra has been very supportive of her son’s interest in PeacePlayers, and is thankful for the opportunity for Dimitris to develop new friendships with young people from all over Cyprus. When we asked Dimitris if his mom was nervous about going to the LDP camp in Kantara he said, “I don’t think so. She thinks it is great for me to have friends that are Turkish-Cypriots and I would spend more time with them.”

Cleopatra is the kind of encouraging parent that we as an organization are grateful for. When asked what she would like to see from PeacePlayers in the future, she responded, “I would love to see more children in Cyprus have the opportunity to be a part of PeacePlayers.  The organisation is an excellent tool for promoting good relations between our Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities, and the kids that are involved are getting a lot out of it.”

On behalf of the entire PPI family around the world, we are wishing every mom a Happy Mother’s Day!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Cyprus, Global

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | May 7, 2013 · 1:30 pm

Working With Youth Through Sport – The Best Job There Is

Project Coordinator Tony McGaharan directs a PPI-NI twinning.

Project Coordinator Tony McGaharan directs a PPI-NI twinning.

The text and pictures for today’s PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (PPI-NI) post come from Michael Brannigan, a student at Prince’s Trust. He spent the last two weeks helping us out on a work placement. 

Sessional Coach James Hughes instructs primary-school children with Keelan Ciarns.

Sessional Coach James Hughes instructs primary-school children with Keelan Ciarns.

I considered myself lucky to be given this opportunity to work with PeacePlayers. As far as I’m concerned, working with youth through sport is one of the best jobs there is. The line of work I’ve been taking part in has involved bringing children from ages 8 to 11 in primary schools and ages 14 to 15 in secondary schools. The children come from Protestant and Catholic communities and learn about basketball and community relations. I can already see the impact the programming has on kids in terms of their confidence, teamwork, understanding, and new friendships.

But this his has also been a great opportunity for me to build and focus on my leadership skills, which will benefit me in the future. Managing Director Gareth Harper suggested that I bring the team’s camera around with me to take a few pictures. Here are a few of my favorite shots!

PPI-NI participants play a "Scramble," a favorite game of ours.

PPI-NI participants play a “Scramble,” a favorite game of ours.

Sessional Coach Ben Scullion leads his team through an activity we call "Not on my Team."

Sessional Coach Ben Scullion leads his team through an activity we call “Not on my Team.”

Leave a Comment

Filed under Global, Northern Ireland

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | April 19, 2013 · 2:44 pm

PeacePlayers-Cyprus boys prepare for their tournament in Norway

PeacePlayers team working hard and having fun preparing for their trip to Norway!

PeacePlayers team working hard and having fun preparing for their trip to Norway!

In just 4 days our first ever competitive bi communal basketball team composed of 6 Greek-Cypriot and 6 Turkish-Cypriot boys will be boarding a plane en route to Norway.  An opportunity of a lifetime!

The upcoming tournament that will take place in Bergen, Norway is the focus and the excitement of every team member.  However, the experience begins long before the tip-off at the tournament, especially for these boys.  Many of the team members had met one another through PeacePlayers events and the previous summer camp, but few of them have ever been teammates with one another, let alone teammates with their peers from the opposite community.  Taking these facts into consideration, one begins to understand the essence of the preparation stage for a team like PeacePlayers.  They have many hurdles to overcome to become one unit, to support each other and to play together as a team in every way.

Coach Thanasis leads the boys in their huddle

Coach Thanasis leads the boys in their huddle

While bonding on the court is important, the bond created off the court between the teammates will be just as essential. This weekend the boys have the opportunity to focus on developing this bond both on and off the court.  The team will depart today along with 20 young leaders from our PeacePlayers teams from across the island to Kantara Camp.  The Leadership Retreat will consist of two full days of team-building and leadership development activities as well as intensive team workouts. One of the four coaches that will be traveling to Norway with the team, Michalis Seraphim, said, “this weekend will be a real catalyst for our boys to bond on and off the court.  For them this is just the beginning, the start of an opportunity, one in which they will build relationships and common memories that will last a lifetime.”

Let the adventure begin!

Please follow along on our PeacePlayers-Cyprus Facebook page for updates from the team during their time in Norway.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Cyprus, Global

Tagged as , , ,

by | April 17, 2013 · 2:16 pm

PPI-NI Talks with New Intern, Jose López

Jose Alberto Cuevas López

Jose Alberto Cuevas López

For this week’s post, PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland’s (PPI-NI) Senior Project Coordinator, Tony McGaharan, sits down with new intern, Jose López, to talk about what he’s seen and learned so far. 

Tony: “Jose, how did you end up in Northern Ireland?”

“I’m in Belfast with a job-mobility program called Hercules IV. It’s a good opportunity to improve my language skills and to learn about different cultures.”

Tony: “How did you find out about us?”

“Before I arrived to Belfast, I didn’t know much about PPI-NI. There is a company that helps Spanish graduates to find internship opportunities in different European cities. So they set a meeting up with Managing Director, Gareth Harper, and I’ve been here since February.”

Tony: “What do you think about the role of PPI-NI in Northern Ireland?”

“I think this job is very interesting. It is really fascinating to see how sport can be used to improve community relations. PeacePlayers is helping young people to create friendships, to understand and respect each other’s backgrounds.”

Tony: “What is your favourite thing about Belfast?”

“The people I have met. These people make me feel at home, which is difficult to achieve.”

Tony: “Is there anything you find really different from your home in Spain?”

“Apart from the weather, the mealtimes. It is strange to be drinking coffee at 2pm in the afternoon, if you have just had some at 12pm for lunch.”

Tony: “Anything else you want to add?”

“It is a big adventure trying to understand the Belfast accent but my colleagues are very patient with me. I want to take advantage of this opportunity and thank them for their kindness and support.”

Leave a Comment

Filed under Global, Northern Ireland

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | April 10, 2013 · 2:34 pm

Team PPI-NI takes on the 2013 Belfast Marathon

garethThis week, we hear from PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (PPI-NI) Managing Director Gareth Harper about an upcoming project his team will be undertaking in Belfast.

On the 6 May, 2013, PPI – NI will once again join with over 20,000 runners in taking to the streets to participate in the Belfast Marathon team-relay event.  For me, despite good intentions, it’s been a full year since I last ran any further than the length of a basketball court.

At time of writing with 26 days to go, it is therefore with some apprehension, that I announce my commitment to a strict training regime – two laps of Castlewellan Lake each week.  Undeterred and bolstered by my success from last year (I didn’t have to stop and could walk unassisted to my car at the end) I will be running (or at least jogging) the challenging 5.3 mile ‘leg D’ from Gideon’s Point to Corporation Street.  This is the same leg that I “ran” in 2012.  The marathon leg hasn’t changed but my legs have a full 12 months more mileage (or more accurately lack of mileage) on them.

I will be joined by my PPI-NI office colleagues, Tony ‘The Marathon’ McGaharan; Chris ‘The Speedster’ Schumerth; Darryl ‘The Pace-Man’ Petticrew; and Megan ‘The Longest Leg’ Lynch, in putting in a blistering performance.  Several of our sessional coaches have also formed a team. Hopefully the blisters will not be of the foot variety!

We hope to raise £2,500.00 to support our programmes across the city and invest in the young “champions for peace” that continue to inspire us each day.  All proceeds will go to our nationally-registered charity. You can support our efforts by making a donation here.

1 Comment

Filed under Global

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | April 9, 2013 · 3:17 pm

Meet Sbahle Mkhize

New PPI-SA coach Sbahle Mkhize combines an infectious smile and a love for basketball that make her a natural at coaching kids

New PPI-SA coach Sbahle Mkhize combines an infectious smile and a love for basketball that make her a natural at coaching kids

This week’s South Africa blog features new PPI coach Sbahle Mhize. Sbahle coaches in the city area at Durban Primary School and is studying Sports Science at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Sbahle has an amazing heart and embodies the spirit of PPI-SA, read more to find out about her experiences so far as a coach.

How long have you been a part of PPI and why did you want to become a part of this organization?

I have been a part of this awesome team for about 4 months now, and have enjoyed every second. I joined because I wanted to be a part of the great work PPI is doing. I am a basketball player myself so when I found out about PPI and the changes they are making in people’s lives through basketball I jumped at the change to get involved.

Can you share an experience at PPI that has impacted you personally? 

Sbahle (far left) at the 2013 CityWide Tournament with past and present PPI-SA family

At my first City Wide Tournament I saw hundreds of children that all come from different backgrounds and it really touched me how this tournament could bring together children who come from different circumstances. It made me appreciate basketball more because I saw first hand how this sport could unite children and allow them to forget all their worries and focus on the game. To see the smiles on their faces and see them interact and support each other was really great for me.

What is your favorite part about coaching with Peace Players?

The kids I coach are truly my favorite part. I love children and coaching my kids at Durban Primary School has truly been a pleasure. They put a smile on my face every time.

What is one important lesson our participants have taught you?

Being a basketball player for many causes one to almost forget the basics of basketball. Since I have started coaching, I have had to go back to the basics, which required a lot of patience from my end. It was a great lesson learnt for me.

1 Comment

Filed under Global, South Africa

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 2, 2013 · 2:03 pm

Laureus says YES to PPI-SA, 9 times over!

Laureus is back with its YES Program 2013. Participants from last year had their first training at Shongweni Dam, just outside Durban, SA.

Laureus is back with its YES Program 2013. Participants from last year had their first training at Shongweni Dam, just outside Durban, SA.

In 2012, PPI-SA was fortunate to be involved in the pilot of the Laureus YES (Youth Empowerment through Sport) Program.  In the program’s debut, 11 young leaders from all over South Africa were selected for a 6-month pilot project aimed at empowering young people to use sport as a tool to promote positive change in their lives and communities. Two of those participants were PPI-SA coaches.

The program’s pilot year was an incredible success. Participants took part in accredited trainings such as IT assessment and introduction, mentorship, facilitation, entrepreneurship, sports project management and finance, and crime prevention through sport (including community cohesion). They worked closely with the Exercise Training Academy (ETA) one of the best sports institutes in South Africa, the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, and with Children’s Radio Foundation, an organization in Cape Town that works in countries around Africa to help young people tell their stories through radio.

The official release of the 2013 Laurues YES Program participants

The official release of the 2013 Laurues YES Program participants

Based on the success of the pilot program, Laureus decided to more than triple the size of this year’s class. This year’s applicants were required to first submit a written application. Based on the written applications, Laureus chose 80 applicants to advance to the next round of the process, which included a phone interview. After the phone interviews, 36 applicants were chosen to take part in this year’s program.

PPI-SA is proud to announce that, of the 36 young leaders selected for the program nationwide, 9 of them are current coaches for PPI-SA. That’s 25% of this year’s YES participants, and over 50% of our coaches on staff! We are proud to be producing well-rounded and successful coaches that can take what they have learned at PPI-SA into the greater sport for development community in South Africa.

The YES program is a fun, inspirational, and engaging experience for our coaches that builds confidence, nurtures leadership and professional skills, and increases knowledge in a variety of areas. We are so excited for our coaches to have this opportunity to grow and develop as future leaders in their communities and beyond.

Here are the list of our coaches who were selected and the areas they currently coach in PPI-SA:

Name                                                              Area 

Yamkela Nako                                      Wentworth

Sifso Mchunu                                       Wentworth

Sifiso Mthembu                                   Molweni

Sanele Zondi                                         Molweni

Eddy Bishogo                                       City

Sanele Mthembu                                 City

Sbahle Mkhize                                      City

Sebenzile Dladla                                  Umlazi

Thobekile Bhengu                              Umlazi

1 Comment

Filed under Global, South Africa

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

by | March 28, 2013 · 2:18 pm

PPI-NI: A Parent’s Perspective

This week, Project Coordinator Joanne Fitzpatrick talks to a parent of two PeacePlayers participants about her understanding and experience of PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (PPI-NI).

Joanne: “Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?”

Diane: “My name is Diane Folland and I live in Ballysillan, North Belfast. I am a mum to four children, three boys and one girl. The two older boys attended Carr’s Glen Primary School on the Oldpark Road where they both took part in the PeacePlayers programme. They were taught how to play basketball and to interact with the other pupils they came in contact with.”

Joanne: “How did you first hear about PeacePlayers International?”

Diane: “I remember Karl, who is now 15, going to his first PeacePlayers event outside of school.  He was the only one that turned up out of his school and when he got there he met two other people.  He wasn’t put off by this and continued to get involved through school.  Calum had more success with PeacePlayers.  He loved going to different schools and venues and was always ready to be at the forefront. He even was in the Lord Mayors parade one year with the PeacePlayers coaches. He attended Jingle Ball when he was in year seven at Stranmillis College and he loved it. Calum was very disappointed when he couldn’t continue on with PeacePlayers when he reached year eight and moved to secondary school.”

Joanne: “What were your first thoughts on your children taking part in a cross-community programme and have they changed at all since then?”

Diane: “I had no qualms about either of my boys getting involved in cross-community activities, and this was a good way of mixing with the ‘other side.’  We don’t really get to mix with other communities very much.  I found this when I was growing up. I have never brought my children up to be sectarian and am pleased with their PeacePlayers participation.”

PeacePlayers coaches and participants walk in a 2011 parade in Belfast City Centre.

Calum (pictured centre, on top of former fellow Rory O’Neil’s shoulders) at the Lord Mayors parade in 2011

DSC_0466

Karl (pictured on the right in the checked shirt) at North Belfast Interface League-Senior Programme in Holy Trinity Church Hall.

Joanne: “What do you see the benefits being of your children being involved in the PeacePlayers programmes?”

Diane: “Karl, after much persuasion, attended the 6-week course in Holy Trinity on the Oldpark Road. There were many cultures and religions at this PeacePlayers programme, which he hadn’t come in contact with before. But now? I can’t keep him away! He absolutely loves it and has made a lot of new friends. All of whom I suspect are now his friends on various social media sites.”

Joanne: “Would you encourage other parents to get their children involved?”

Diane: “I would encourage any parent to let their child at least have a chance of experiencing PeacePlayers. I can’t wait for Calum to turn 14, then he will be able to experience PeacePlayers on a different level.”

Joanne: “Thanks Diane and one final question, what is PeacePlayers?”

Diane: “From what I’ve been told, sweet to the beat!”

Leave a Comment

Filed under Global

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | March 25, 2013 · 12:31 pm

PeacePlayers Holds March Madness Party for Peace

Over 170 people celebrated the beginning of March Madness at the PeacePlayers Party for Peace

Over 170 people celebrated the beginning of March Madness at the PeacePlayers Party for Peace

PeacePlayers kicked off the start of the men’s NCAA tournament on Thursday with its 3rd annual “Party for Peace,” an event to support PeacePlayers International. A crowd of around 170 people gathered at Capitale on K St  in Washington D.C. to celebrate PeacePlayers’ work around the globe and to watch the first round NCAA hoops. Thanks to everyone’s generous support, we raised over $25,000 to support PPI’s work around the world.

The spacious and decorative space was adorned with pictures of PPI participants from South Africa, Cyprus, the Middle East and Northern Ireland, reminders of the great work PPI is doing and the children who are champions for peace around the world.

When they weren’t tuned in to the games, guests bid on silent auction items like an autographed John Wall shoe, Nationals and Orioles tickets and a custom-made suit, all generously donated by the event’s host committee. Even if they didn’t win big at the auction, each guest got to go home with a PPI souvenir pen, complete with a mini basketball on top.

Former PPI Fellows, Michael Vaughan Cherubin and Rory O'Neil, talk about PPI's impact on the children

Former PPI Fellows, Michael Vaughan Cherubin and Rory O’Neil, talk about PPI’s impact on the children

PPI founder and Executive Director, Brendan Tuohey, spoke during the festivities, thanking everyone for being there and updating them on the work PPI is doing. He noted that while President Obama was just in Israel calling for peace, boys and girls of the PPI – Middle East program were demonstrating how peace is possible by playing together and winning in Israel’s top basketball league.

The PeacePlayers family would like to send out a big thank you to everyone who came out on Thursday and to all of our supporters! And to all of the PeacePlayers in the New York City area, please join us for our Dropping Dimes for Peace Party to watch the NCAA men’s championship game at Hill Country BBQ on April 8 for a chance to show your support for PPI.

Click here for all the photos from the event.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Global

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,