Peace Through Sport, a global initiative, has been inundated
with applications from leaders of youth to participate in the first of its camps that will take place in Amman, Jordan, October 21-3I, 2007. The aim is simple; to bring together leaders of youth from divided countries and communities around the world and to train and equip them with the know-how and tools to use sport to unite children and youth from all sides of their divides.
The groundbreaking initiative was launched earlier this year by HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Chairman of Peace Through Sport and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee. Seven countries were selected to participate in the inaugural camp – Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan as well as Jordan .
With applications continuing to arrive and still a month to go, organisers face the challenge of selecting the 70 candidates that will become the first Peace Through Sport pioneers. Each delegate in turn will also be trained how to cascade the programme to at least 10 like-minded leaders of youth in their own community.
“We have been overwhelmed with applications to participate in the camp which demonstrates the impact that this scheme has already made.” said HRH Prince Feisal. “It is very gratifying to see such a large number of inspirational people wanting to join Peace Through Sport and to make a real difference to establish peace and tolerance in their own communities.
“Our first delegates come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from students and aid workers to lawyers, doctors and dentists. A decision on the initial 70 participants will be announced soon although it is hoped that everyone who applied will take part in a future Peace Through Sport Camp.”
Peace Through Sport has received huge support from the international sporting community since its launch earlier this year and the pilot camp will be backed by numerous International Federations and organisations.
The Peace Through Sport Pilot Camp will welcome the leaders of youth to the Capital’s Al Hussein Sports City for the 10-day training programme. It will comprise practical sporting sessions, working on scenarios that the leaders of youth could expect to face in their own communities when they set up programmes; peace education and specialist training in conflict resolution amongst young people. A key element will be training the youth leaders to be able to
cascade the programme back home after their initial training, in other words ‘training the trainers to train more trainers’. In addition there will be a cultural and social programme in the hope of developing life-long friendships and mutual support after the training.
Organisers of Peace Through Sport will analyse the results of the pilot scheme before rolling out the programme of camps for 2008. Four countries have already expressed an interest in hosting a Peace Through Sport camp in the near future and many more want to be able to participate by sending delegates. Potential media and commercial partners will also be assessing the pilot camp with a view to involvement in 2008.
Meanwhile, Asian Sports Ministers praised Peace Through Sport at their annual meeting in Japan, calling on all Asian countries to support the initiative. The conference’s summary document pledged that “Asian Sports Ministers should recognise the importance of the peace and stability through sports such as the global initiative Peace Through Sport proposed by the Jordan OIympic Committee. And Asian Sports Ministers should encourage fellow Asian
countries and other countries to support and take part in this initiative”.
Peace Through Sport was launched in Amman earlier this year to global acclaim with the campaign television advertisement shortlisted for the prestigious 25th Milan International Film Festival awards.
