Laureus visits PPI -- ME

Edwin and Tanni ‘inspired’ by visit to Laureus project in West Bank

RAMALLAH, October 26, 2008 - Laureus World Sports Academy members Edwin Moses and Tanni Grey-Thompson have taken part in an eye-opening visit to the West Bank.

At the start of a three-day visit to the region, they were welcomed at two girls' school projects, run by PeacePlayers International, an organisation that uses the game of basketball to provide a positive outlet teaching leadership and life skills to refugees and Palestinian children.

Double Olympic gold medallist Moses and Paralympic legend Grey-Thompson shared life experiences with the children, ‘shot hoops' and joined in basketball drills and match play. Laureus Chairman Edwin Moses said: "Sport is one of the few things that can bridge the divide between the communities which is why the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation recognises projects like these. A decade ago, Nelson Mandela, the Patron of Laureus, spoke of the power of sport to change the world and unite people and communities in the way little else does.

"Ten years on, standing here in Ramallah, his impassioned words relate clearly to what we have witnessed through this programme. It shows that sport can play a part in changing people's lives. We all know there is so much history here and have seen it first hand today, but we hope that there will be a brighter future for all these young people, who we have met at the project. It shows that sport can make a difference," he added.

British Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson said: "This has been inspirational and one of the most uplifting Laureus visits I have ever made. I have been fortunate to witness what this programme can deliver to these young girls. It gives them not only the opportunity to play sport, but also teaches them to live healthy and productive lives. I was always taught to aim high and this is the message I wanted to deliver. I am so happy to be here today to do what I can to help this important cause."

At the end of the of what was a day full of perspective, the sporting legends witnessed a ‘twinning' programme at Gonen in Jerusalem, that featured both Arabic and Israeli boys who meet twice a month using basketball to foster understanding between the two communities.

During the visit, the two Laureus Academy members will also attend tenth anniversary celebrations for the Peres Center for Peace in Tel Aviv - another project in the region supported by Laureus - where they will appear on a sports panel discussing the topic ‘Overcoming hurdles through sport'. Also on the panel will be Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, and Ramón Calderón, President of Real Madrid football club.

PeacePlayers International was established on the West Bank in 2005. Laureus has been supporting a sister PeacePlayers International project in South Africa since 2002. American brothers Brendan and Sean Tuohey, who are the founders of PeacePlayers International, were presented with the Laureus Sport for Good Award in 2008.