PPI-ME Newsletter June 2008

This looks great! Here is the newest edition of PeacePlayers International -- Middle East's quarterly newsletter. Click the image below to see it full sized.

If it's not visible click here.

Bush pays visit to co-religious school in Belfast

US President Bush visited a PPI site in Northern Ireland on Monday:
[from Herald.ie]

President George Bush took a break from political talks today to play basketball with children in a co-religious school.

The President joined Protestant and Catholic boys and girls on court during his visit to Lough View Primary School on the outskirts of Belfast.

It was not the most successful game as far as Mr Bush was concerned, however, as he missed four shots from four.

Afterwards he took time to chat to coaches from Peaceplayers International - an organisation that has used basketball, a sport with no religious affiliations in Northern Ireland, to bring together young people from divided communities.

On what was their final engagement on their visit to Belfast, the president and the first lady also talked with teachers and pupils.

The school has been educating pupils in an inclusive environment since it was formed out of a parents' campaign group 15 years ago.

"It sure looks like a great school," the president told the children. "It's sure fun being here."

UPDATE: more from the Independent.co.uk
"Irish bid farewell to globetrotter who can't shoot hoops" (including photo at top)

UPDATE 2: more from the AP...
Bush ended his trip shooting hoops with Protestant and Catholic children in Northern Ireland. He went 0-4.

The president stopped by Loughview Integrated Primary School in Belfast to highlight efforts to bring together Catholic and Protestant students. Most children in Northern Ireland attend schools that are segregated by religion.

Bush was visibly disappointed when his first shot turned out to be an air ball. Two more hit the backboard but didn't go in. His layup was unsuccessful, too.

When a young girl shot an air, Bush said, "I know how you feel."

The children were members of an organization called PeacePlayers International of Northern Ireland, a group that operates around the world to address sectarianism and to foster mutual respect and tolerance. The players were invited to the school to meet with Bush.

UPDATE 3: more photos here...

NBA Legends Dr. J and Rick Barry in Jerusalem

From the web update, "PeacePlayers Get Tips from NBA Legends Dr. J and Rick Barry":

On May 26th, fifteen PeacePlayers from Esawiah, Beit Safafa, Abu Ghosh and Katamon participated in a clinic - organized by the Jerusalem Municipality - with two of the NBA’s all-time Top 50 players, Julius Erving (Dr. J) and Rick Barry at Malha Stadium in Jerusalem. Dr. J is credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball in the 1970’s, with his electrifying play and high flying dunks. Rick Barry, recognized by many basketball fans as one of the greatest pure small forwards of all time, is the only player ever to lead the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring.

The PeacePlayers youth worked hard, as Dr. J lead them through a defensive warm up. They listened and watched attentively as he showed proper rebounding technique and back door cuts. Rick Barry demonstrated his famous under hand foul shot, even floating one in with his eyes closed. At the end of the clinic, Rick Barry spoke to the children about the importance of staying in school and keeping away from drinking and drugs. Dr. J gave an inspiring speech about the importance of choices.

The clinic served as a reward for the top PeacePlayers in the Jerusalem area. According to Program Director Danny Ourian: “Having the chance to see Dr. J and Rick Barry was a special opportunity for these children, many of whom have never seen a professional NBA player in person - let alone two of the greatest players of all time.” After the clinic, Rick Barry reminisced with PPI – ME program directors about his son, Brent Barry, San Antonio Spurs star, who traveled to PPI – Northern Ireland in the summer of 2008.

The clinic was a part of a “Legends” tour in Israel, featuring Dr. J and Rick Barry, along with fellow basketball legends Dominique Wilkins and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. The “Legends” visited the Middle East to raise awareness for a youth village for underprivileged children in northern Israel.

Special thanks to the Municipality of Jerusalem for inviting PeacePlayers to the clinic.

Jerusalem Peace League

From the web update: PeacePlayers International-Middle East Teams-Up with the Municipality of Jerusalem to Launch the Jerusalem Peace League

As PPI-ME entered its third year in the fall of 2007, our oldest players needed a welcoming place to test their competitive mettle. Unfortunately for the past six years, the Jerusalem area has not had a league that was truly open to Arab and Jewish clubs. The result, after months of hard work, was the reopening of the brand new 2007/08 Jerusalem Peace League, which took place in Abu Ghosh.

The League boasted three integrated PPI – ME teams, comprised of Palestinian and Israeli participants (Gilo-Esawiah/ Katamon-Beit Safafa / Abu Ghosh-Beit Shemesh) , who have been practicing together in the Twinned Basketball Clubs program, in addition to six other teams (three Palestinian/Arab and three Jewish-Israeli) from the Jerusalem area and from Bethlehem.

The boys, aged 13-15, were broken into two groups and played a round robin, before the best two teams from each group moved onto the final four. The Final Four was some of the most intense basketball ever to be on a PeacePlayers court and it was all done keeping in mind to spirit of the league: brotherhood through basketball.

Congratulations to all of the teams that participated in the league and special props go to out to Hopoal Pizgat Ze’ev for taking the championship!

A special thanks to the Municipality of Jerusalem and the Abu Ghosh Regional Council and Community Center – our partners in this project.

Three Spring Tournaments Energize PPI – ME

Below is the web update and photos from 2008's Spring Tournaments:

PeacePlayers International – Middle East’s Twinning Program recently finished up a great month of Spring Tournaments. Throughout the months of April and May, hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli boys and girls from East and West Jerusalem, Abu Ghosh, Beit Shemesh, Jaffa, Holon, Qalansuwa, Bat Hefer and Kfar Yona came together at three separate events in the Tel Aviv area.

The first two events, April 4th for 10-12 year old boys and April 11th for 13-15 year old boys, were held at the beautiful Herzliya Sportec in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv. The third event, May 2nd for 10-14 year old girls, was held at the Tel Aviv Sportec.

The young PeacePlayers came together to enjoy full days of basketball games and additional fun activities, including Juggling, Body Art, Trampoline, “Wacky Baskets”, and a “Hot-Shot” Contest.

Participants played on mixed teams with their Twinning partners. For example, the Arab girls from Qalansuwa played with their Jewish counterparts from Kfar Yona, strengthening the bonds they have developed during the year-round Twinning Program. Each mixed team was co-coached by an Arabic and a Hebrew speaking coach, who jointly led their team through the day’s games and activities. Members of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) helped referee and keep score at the events, in addition to challenging PPI – ME’s Program Directors and excellent Volunteers to a 5-on-5 basketball game. At the closing ceremony of each tournament, the coaches from each team selected a player from their team for the “PeacePlayers Award”. The award went to each team’s player who best demonstrated a combination of sportsmanship, hustle, helpfulness, compassion, and hard work.

The three Spring Tournaments were eagerly looked forward to by PeacePlayers’ Twinned Communities, and each one in its own right was excellent!

The three events were put together and coordinated by new Middle East Program Director Pamela Kelly. Pam’s event coordination prowess impressed everyone and resulted in three exciting tournaments that will leave positive long-lasting memories for the whole PeacePlayers' family.

Originally posted "Three Spring Tournaments Energize PPI – ME" by Brian Sigafoos

Photo slideshow of the Boys' 10-12 Tournament:


Photo slideshow of the Boys' 13-15 Tournament:


Photo slideshow of the Girls' Tournament:

What's a PPI Program Director? Meet David.

What's a PD? And what does a PPI-ME PD do? Meet David.
Enjoy the slideshow below.

| View | Upload your own

What are we? Family!

Our last special edition PeacePlayers International t-shirt and the contest were a resounding success. One World / One Game / One Family.

Building on the PeacePlayers global theme of "Family", we're ready to unveil the new limited edition t-shirt. PPI Spells "Family" (in 7 languages):

New Orleans - English - Family
South Africa - Zulu - Umndeni
Northern Ireland - Gaelic - Muintir
Cyprus - Greek - Οικογένεια
Turkish - Aile
Middle East - Arabic - عائلة
Hebrew - ‮משפחה

American Ireland Fund $1m Gift to PPI

American Ireland Fund 2008 New York Gala Raises Over $3.5 Million

NEW YORK, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,300 guests gathered last evening at the American Ireland Fund's 33rd Annual New York Gala at the Tent at Lincoln Center to honor acclaimed Irish actor Liam Neeson and renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist, Lewis L. Glucksman, who passed away in 2006. The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects in Ireland, including a $1 million gift to PeacePlayers International, an organization that brings Catholic and Protestant children in Northern Ireland together through the neutral sport of basketball.

A native of Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson, accompanied by his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, received the 2008 Performing Arts Award. The AIF honored Mr. Neeson at this year's event for his contribution to film and theatre over the past 30 years, and for the friendship and support he has shown The American Ireland Fund through the time he has volunteered to help promote its mission.

Commenting on the honor he received, Liam Neeson said, "Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence. The American Ireland Fund has been instrumental in investing in some of the deeper social changes that are needed and has tirelessly supported peace, education, the arts and reconciliation projects on the island of Ireland. I am proud to have been able to play a part in the American Ireland Fund's efforts and am honored to be part of the continuing transition underway in Ireland."

...

Former Irish international rugby star, Trevor Ringland, accepted a $1 million donation from the AIF on behalf of PeacePlayers International in Northern Ireland. PeacePlayers uses the neutral game of basketball to address sectarianism challenges and foster mutual respect and tolerance by enabling Catholic and Protestant children to play the game together. Basketball, unlike traditional sports in Northern Ireland, is not affiliated with either community. By competing together on mixed teams on a regular basis, children from these historically divided groups are discovering common ground and forging new friendships. Prejudices are being overcome by the desires to play, have fun and win. This donation is expected to increase the number of children participating in the PeacePlayers International program three-fold.

About The Ireland Funds: The mission of The American Ireland Fund is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of Peace and Reconciliation, Arts and Culture, Education and Community Development throughout the island of Ireland. The Ireland Funds host more than 100 events in 40 cities attended by over 40,000 people. Since 1976, The Ireland Funds have raised over $300 million. For additional information please go to http://www.irlfunds.org/.

NBC4: "Basketball to Forge Bonds"

A background article from NBC4.com (Washington, DC area NBC network affiliate) on PPI:

Program Uses Basketball To Forge Bonds Among Kids In Troubled Regions

WASHINGTON -- Two brothers from D.C. are using the game of basketball to bring young people together in some of the world's most troubled regions.

PeacePlayers International is the brainchild of Brendan and Sean Tuohey. After both brothers played basketball in college, Sean Tuohey came up with the Peace Players idea while playing professional basketball and running coaching programs for children in Northern Ireland. Brendan Tuohey said he loved the thought of using sports to build relationships between kids that are taught to hate.

"I think everybody can understand growing up playing sports is a great way to build friends, a great way to build relationships from all sorts of backgrounds, so we're taking that concept and applying it to these conflict and post-conflict situations and using it not just as a tool to build friendships, but to build peace," he said.

PeacePlayers, formerly known as Playing for Peace, started its first program in South Africa in 2001.

"Before we went in there, people said, 'You can't go in there, you won't come out,' but they went, and not only did they come out, but they found that those kids were some of the most enthusiastic kids they'd ever been around," Brendan Tuohey said.

That enthusiasm spread as PeacePlayers opened programs in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Cyprus and New Orleans, reaching more than 45,000 children worldwide.

In South Africa, where 20 percent of the population is HIV positive, life skills and AIDS education are the biggest parts of the program. Basketball helps the children build relationships with their coaches, enabling them to discuss a subject that normally isn't openly discussed.

"(Children) come to (coaches) with really, really personal problems, and they tell them problems they cannot tell to their parents," said Sizwile Ximba, a PeacePlayers regional manager.

That bond develops because local people are coaching and running the programs, giving the community a sense of ownership, which helps overcome barriers. In Northern Ireland, for example, Protestant and Catholic children are taught who you pray with is who you play with. That's changing thanks to PeacePlayers.

"They're old enough where they can play the sport but young enough, for the most part they haven't formed permanent opinions about one another," Brendan Tuohey said.

The PeacePlayers concept extends into other parts of the world where hatred has kept children apart. In the Middle East, Israeli and Arab children would not be as likely to interact if not for the PeacePlayers program.

PeacePlayers already has built more than 60 basketball courts in South Africa alone. Sean Tuohey is taking some time away from the organization to write a book about his experiences around the world.

East Jerusalem Girls' Basketball Tournament

The Municipality of Jerusalem recently held a Spring Basketball Tournament for girls from East Jerusalem. Girls' teams from different Arab schools competed against each other in two age brackets. PeacePlayers International -- Middle East was well represented with girls from the Twinning Program from Beit Safafa and Esawiah playing for their schools' teams. PeacePlayers girls' on their school teams especially had a great day, with Esawiah and Beit Safafa schools winning both the younger and older age groups respectively!

Enjoy a photo slideshow from the day...

Young Judea volunteer writes about Jaffa PPI experience

A PPI volunteer in Jaffa, Jen S, wrote the following short piece for the Young Judea newsletter of her Year Course program:

Every Wednesday I hop on the 46 bus from Bat Yam to Jaffa (Yafo) to play and coach basketball for 10-15 year old boys from Jaffa. Nearly all the boys I work with are Israeli Arabs (Christian and Muslim). This afternoon volunteering is through an organization called PeacePlayers International (PPI). PPI uses the game of basketball to unite and educate children and their communities. The goal of the organization is to bridge divides in conflict stricken regions including the Middle East. PPI functions in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas as well as cities in the West Bank, working to teach and build life skills.

After a month of coming each week I'm finally memorizing the kids names. I'm not used to meeting people with the names like Mustafa, Muhammad and Ahmed. The kids know who I am and expect me each week. "Hey Jenny, what's up," they say impressing me with their English. The rest of the time we speak in Hebrew. The Jaffa kids are the toughest group PPI works with. Most come from an underprivileged background. PPI gives the kids an after school activity and discipline. My role on the court is to help teach basketball skills and be a role model in practice.

One of the main goals of the organization is to integrate the Israeli Arabs with the Jewish kids in order to build cooperation. Last week, PPI brought together their groups of 13-15 year old Arab kids from Jaffa with Jewish kids from Neveh Offer to practice together. An outside professional coach came to run practice. It was amazing to see how the coach gave the usually rowdy, boisterous Jaffa boys discipline through practicing basketball skills. High fives were encouraged between the two groups and teams were integrated. Extra points were awarded for cheering on teammates. I loved seeing the mission of the organization carried out. This weekend I'm volunteering at the PPI tournament taking place at the Herzliya Sportec. Jewish and Arab kids are coming from all over for a day of games, skills training and fun. Hopefully the organization will continue fulfilling its goals of bridging social divides, developing future leaders and educating children to lead healthy constructive lives. And in the spirit of how we finish every practice with a scream, "We are Peace Players!"

Coaches' Overnight Training

Jaffa Boys' Twinning

below is a slideshow of photos from the latest Jaffa Boys' Twinning.

PPI wins Laureus Sport for Good Award

Brendan and Sean Tuohey, Co-Founders of PeacePlayers International, were presented with the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award at the ninth annual Laureus World Sports Awards in St. Petersburg, Russia on February 18, 2008.

The Laureus Sport for Good Award honors individuals who make a contribution to society through sport. Past winners include Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Kip Keino, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony recognizes the achievements of sports stars and showcases the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a partner in the work of PeacePlayers International in South Africa and Cyprus.

more from the Laureus website:

Since its inception in 2001, Peace Players International has reached more than 45,000 children in global conflict areas, launching international programmes in Israel and the West Bank, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Cyprus and New Orleans in the United States, using basketball as the means to bring young people together.

The two men behind Peace Players International are American brothers, Brendan and Sean Tuohey. The love of basketball is part of the Tuohey DNA. As the son of the chairman of the Washington DC Sports Commission, Sean Tuohey grew up with the dream of one day playing for a top team in the NBA. After college he travelled to Ireland to play basketball there and began to coach Catholic and Protestant children together. He soon realised that sport could be a way to break down generations of hatred. Following the first PPI project in Northern Ireland, his attention was directed to South Africa.

He explains: "Basketball was a new sport to both countries. In Northern Ireland, Catholic kids played Gaelic sports like hurling and Protestants played rugby. In South Africa, black kids played soccer and the white kids played cricket. Basketball is neutral."

PPI's commitment does not end on the court. In South Africa there is also a life skills programme where coaches meet before practice to discuss HIV/AIDS, drugs, alcohol, racism, sexism and conflict resolution. AIDS awareness messages have been distributed around the 60 basketball courts that have been built. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is an enthusiastic supporter of the project.

The Tuoheys contribution has been recognised by many organisations and individuals over the years. The brothers have received many awards:

• In December 2004, they were named Top 100 Irish-Americans by Irish America.
• In December 2005, they were named ‘Washingtonians of the Year' by Washingtonian magazine.
• In October 2007, Brendan Tuohey was chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in the United States by the Institute for International Sport.

Brendan Tuohey participated in the Clinton Global Initiative in 2005, 2006 and 2007. On April 1, 2006, former United States President Bill Clinton recognised Brendan at a press conference announcing plans for the 2006 Clinton Global Initiative. President Clinton spoke about Peace Players International's project in Israel and the West Bank, applauding the organisation's efforts to "promote understanding, tolerance and peace among Jewish, Israeli Arab and Palestinian youth."

Slam Dunk Champ Dwight Howard & PPI

from the Orlando Magic's website news:

Dwight Howard Lights Up Faces of New Orleans Youth adidas’ Brotherhood

Adidas and PeacePlayers International (PPI) teamed up to bring “Basketball is a Brotherhood” to life and help celebrate what everyone can bring to the game by putting three dozen New Orleans youth side-by-side with some of the world’s best athletes. Players from the adidas PeacePlayers New Orleans Life-skills/Athletic Program descended onto the adidas court within the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Saturday, February 16 to meet NBA All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups and Antawn Jamison.

“I had a lot of fun, and I wish I could stay here all day,” said Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. “The kids were awesome. Just being able to play basketball with the kids meant a lot to me, and I think they will never forget this. Personally, I know I will never forget this.”

The stars provided advice and guidance for both on- and off-court topics as they got to know the young ball players on a personal level. The NBA players recognized “Basketball is a Brotherhood” as the celebration of a group of players brought together to form a single, unstoppable unit. They discussed that the sole objective is to win through honoring the core values of the game. The ‘Brotherhood’ only happens when forces combine and egos die. Only through ‘Brotherhood’ can the impossible be achieved.

Adidas' “Basketball is a Brotherhood,” which was part of NBA All-Star Week in New Orleans, La., was well attended by community leaders and hundreds of fans as well as media from all over the world.

“We have been working closely with adidas for the past nine months to create a sustainable program in New Orleans. This event is a dream come true for the kids involved,” said Brendan Tuohey, PeacePlayers International Executive Director. “We hope that this experience will stay with them forever.”

About adidas PeacePlayers New Orleans Life-skills/Athletic Program
In June 2007, adidas committed to work with PeacePlayers International (PPI) to launch the first PPI United States operation in New Orleans, La. The partnership came about after both companies saw a glaring need for sporting opportunities and life-skills development post Katrina. PeacePlayers International is working with adidas and local partners to implement a multi-sport athletic program accompanied by an interactive life-skills curriculum for 10-16 year-old boys and girls throughout Greater New Orleans. The life skills program will focus on literacy, leadership, healthy living and conflict resolution. In addition, PPI will continue working with local partners to identify, train and employ local youth coaches to serve as instructors and leaders.

About adidas
adidas has been providing innovative products for the world’s best athletes for more than 50 years, from past NBA Legends to today’s superstars, such as Gilbert Arenas, Chauncey Billups, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady. On April 11, 2006 adidas and the National Basketball Association signed an 11-year global merchandising partnership making the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (D-League) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.