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...