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Dear friends,
Recent years have seen dramatic and profound changes in our society. It is therefore all the more important, for an organization such as ours, to be responsive and to reflect on how best to support vulnerable communities for the benefit of the greater good. To do this, we need a global and committed approach, and this for me is reflected in the work that we have been doing over the last seven years, using sport as a vehicle for peace.
Our organization is expanding and evolving. It was with a huge sense of pride that we launched ‘Peace and Sport France’, on 22 May 2013. This event marks an important stage in the development of our organization, and also in the peace through sport movement. It’s a strong and encouraging testament to the work that we are carrying out day after day with your support.
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One of the cornerstones of our action is our ability to join forces to impact on the role that sport plays in our society. This will be the focus of the 7th Peace and Sport International Forum, to be held from 6 to 8 November 2013 in the Principality of Monaco, which will bring together the most senior political, sporting and economic representatives from the world of peace and sport to discuss and exchange views on the topic of “Sport, an investment for society”. More than a place of discussion and reflection, this event represents a platform for action. I am therefore expecting great things from this Forum and look forward to the opportunities that it will provide in terms of establishing concrete solutions and long-term commitments.
Aside from the decisions made at the International Forum, the expertise developed by Peace and Sport on the ground demonstrates how the practice of sport can be an effective response to problems in society. Because we have seen such results and their practical and positive impact, several Champions for Peace are working alongside Peace and Sport to help meet the major changes taking place in modern society. By joining our organization and participating in events such as the New York Marathon and the Nice-Cannes Marathon, athletes like Marie-José Pérec and Wilson Kipketer are choosing to take concrete action on the ground. For the third year running, a Peace and Sport Team will run the New York Marathon and raise money for our projects.
What’s more, the sportsmanship that drives us also pushes us to meet new challenges and go further in our commitments. This is the reason that we have signed a three-year partnership with the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon, whose objective is identical to that of the New York Marathon: running to help communities in need.
We are also very proud to share with you the different projects which, thanks to your generous support and the money raised, have already been implemented on the ground in recent months:
- In the Ivory Coast, the “Come play Rugby, it’s life” programme is on-going thanks to donations from the runners of the 2012 New York Marathon,
- In Burundi, the highly successful second capacity-building seminar for educators,
- In Timor Leste, the second Run for Peace event, bringing together thousands of people in Dili, the country's capital.
Through all of these initiatives, the peace through sport movement is going from strength to strength and entering a very dynamic phase. The growing number of partnerships with international federations, the development of corporate social responsibility strategies within major groups and the expansion of the Champions for Peace network, represent alliances that will make it possible to introduce various initiatives on the ground and foster social cohesion in the communities with which we work.
More than ever let’s promote together the message that sport is a vehicle for peace and for bringing people together, and that it plays a major role within our society.
Many thanks to all of you, and happy reading!
Sportingly yours,
Joël Bouzou,
President and Founder of Peace and Sport
President of the World Olympians Association (WOA)
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Registration for the 7th edition of the Peace and Sport International Forum now open!
Online registration for the 2013 edition of the Peace and Sport International Forum, held in Monaco from 6th to 8th of November, under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, is now open.
This year again, the Peace and Sport International Forum will gather high representatives and key stakeholders from the world of peace and sport to discuss, network and interact around the theme "Sport, an investment for society."
Our goal is to generate partnerships and synergies, resulting in an effective platform for dialogue and coordination that has generated many positive changes on all continents.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity: proceed with your registration fast and secure now and get an early-bird discount until August 6!
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us: forum@peace-sport.org |
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Join Peace and Sport Teams this fall !
Join our Champions for Peace and raise funds for Peace and Sport field projects. This year, we have prepared a unique programme, with exceptionnal champions, legends of the running.
 ING New York City Marathon 2013 / SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3rd
Join the Team and run the marathon with the Patron Marie José Pérec.
French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes 2013 / SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th
Join the Team and run the marathon with the Patron Wilson Kipketer, 3 times World Champion 800m.
Live a unique experience with Champions who promote Peace through Sport.
Join the Peace and Sport Team and run a marathon of a lifetime.
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The application process for the Peace and Sport Awards 2013 is now open, apply before 8th September!
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The Peace and Sport Awards highlight the expertise of stakeholders which promote best practices in using sport as a tool to promote sustainable peace, social stability and dialogue.
This year, 8 Award categories will reward innovative projects and individuals whose ingenuity generates concrete, sustainable solutions to their local communities.
The Awards represent a unique opportunity to bring global attention and recognition to specific peace through sport actions:
> Enter your project or initiative now
In the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the prestigious Awards Ceremony 2013 will be held during the Gala evening of the Peace and Sport International Forum on Thursday 7th November at the Sporting Monte-Carlo in Monaco.
For more information, please contact Marine Ozanne,
2013 Awards Coordinator at awards@peace-sport.org
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The application process for the Peace and Sport Volunteer Programme 2013 is now open, apply before the 30th of August!
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We are looking for motivated individuals, who share peace through sport values, who are keen to learn and contribute. The programme offers four different positions.
For more information, please contact Mewen Debieu,
2013 Volunteer Programme Coordinator at volunteers@peace-sport.org
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"Come play Rugby, it's life” a success story from Ivory Coast.
The Ivorian Rugby Federation (FIR), supported by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and “Peace and Sport, L'Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport”, have launched the initiative "Come play Rugby, it's life" 6 months ago, in Daloa, Ivory Coast. This program promises to use rugby to reintegrate and educate marginalized youth of the Ivorian conflict. It is part of a government wide policy to use sport to leverage social cohesion on national level, and einforcing the commitment already made by some national sports federations including judo, cycling and wrestling.
Six months after the inauguration of the project "Come play Rugby, it's life", a positive outcome is achieved on Daloa:
A large number of young people benefit from the two weekly rugby sessions. They regularly attend training sessions and are increasingly captivated by the game. The educators are amazed at the team spirit that is significantly growing day by day.
These keen young individuals attend literacy activities and are learning notably fast.
The outreach activities are key to addressing important development issues with youth such as hygiene and health.
These activities take place on the sidelines of sports. Educators have succeeded in creating a climate of trust and dialogue with the beneficiaries which goes beyond their technical and athletic skills.
Joel Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport said: "The involvement of Peace and Sport in the promotion of peace through sport in Ivory Coast dates back to the 1st Peace and Sport International Forum. Back then, the Ivorian government had already shown its commitment to make sport a social cohesion foundation in the country and convinced us to accompany him on this path. We have been working hand in hand with local federations in the country to bring together divided communities. We are very pleased that rugby can now play its role as a vehicle for peace in Ivory Coast. This demonstrates once again that sport is essential to change the world. "
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2nd Capacity Building Seminar in Burundi and DRC
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In a climate of peace in the Great Lakes region, the local authorities of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, have shown their determination to using sport as a tool to establish a strong culture of peace among the younger generation.
In May, the second edition of the capacity building seminar organized by Peace and Sport and CONFEMEN took place in Burundi. This event aims to develop the skills of local managers and educators working in youth centers.
The goal of the initiative is to optimize the use of existing structures and enhance the power of sport to bridge divided communities.
Our work on the field:
From April 29th to May 10th, 26 stakeholders of the youth centers, directors, secretaries, accountants and educators had the opportunity to share their best practices, develop new skills and tools to implement Peace and Sport programs. Working with the individuals responsible for the day to day delivery of the program has a direct impact to the lives of hundreds of children under the care of these institutions.
In their own words:
 Joel Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport said: "The youth centers play a key role in educating the next generation from the Great Lakes region. The implementation of Peace through Sport programs will help staff bring communities and peace to the region. Workshop participants came from Burundi and the DRC (South Kivu). They understand the day to day reality and are the most relevant actor to create a culture of peace with and amongst young people. We are pleased to support them in their mission and we look forward to working with them in the future. They are now part of the peace through sport movement. "
 Adolphe Rukenkanya, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture of Burundi: "We appreciate the work of Peace and Sport and all partners who enabled the seminar to reach its capacity. We are pleased to spread the benefits of this event across Burundi." |
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‘’It is an honor to be part of Peace and Sport because it is a prestigious and responsible organization. I will be proud to share my experience with Peace and Sport and all the Champions for Peace.’’
Tony ESTANGUET
« Fighting every day, on every field, to build peace through sport. Here is a mission that I accept with great honor! »
Laura FLESSEL
« For me, sport is an important link in our society today and in the world. Sport unites people, civilisations, cultures, religions politics. Sport soothes and brings peace. As an athlete, I want to be involved in different programmes to mainly help kids stricken by poverty around the world. »
Imanol HARINORDOQUY
« Being a Champion for Peace is an honor. Being chosen is much more than an embodiement of my career, it is recognition. And more than that, out of being proud, if my titles and images can help young kids, that is great! »
Mohamed DRIDI
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Champions for Peace: Insight into one of their projects
 Chris Waddell is an exceptional disabled athlete! With a record of 12 medals in Alpine Skiing, he is one of the rare Champions to have experienced the podiums of both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
In September, he will start an ambitious 1,500-mile bike ride known as the Who’s Your Hero Tour and organised by his own Foundation « One Revolution ». During his tour of the United States, Chris Waddell will visit youth centres, schools and stadiums to raise awareness of the new generation and promote his message: “It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what happens to you.” He aims to inspire young people and demonstrate that obstacles can be overcome and nurture success.
Chris Waddell says: “I am happy that such a big organization as Peace and Sport is supporting this project that means a lot to me. Being a Champion for Peace, a role-model for the youth, motivates me to discover new stories of unknown heroes to share them and inspire our societies.”
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The 3rd edition of «The Tournoi des Carabiniers » helped Peace and Sport to collect sports equipment
It is under the leadership of the Prince's Guard that took place on 9 May the “Interarmes Challenge”, 7-a-side football tournament which enabled to bring formers football players and teams composed of guards of various European countries. This was the opportunity to collect clothes and sports equipment that will be transported on the field to serve as a peace and social cohesion tool.
Kaveh Mehrabi, Champion for Peace, challenged the Nice IronMan for Peace and Sport
Kaveh Mehrabi, a Champion for Peace highly involved in the peace through sport movement participated in June 23 at the 9th IronMan in Nice. This long distance endurance race is considered to be the hardest in the world. His motivation was double: the physical preparation and the fundraising, to support a Peace and Sport field project that will benefit to the youth in Haiti using badminton as a tool for social integration and education. Kaveh collected 3700€ that will help 210 children to attend a one year program. It is with great pride that the entire team of Peace and Sport congratulate him on his performance.
Pierre Frolla dived into the Bay of Monaco to get the 2013 Grand Prix flag
 For the annual "Operation Poseidon" which took place in the Monaco Bay on 24 May, Pierre Frolla, former record holder, World Champion apnea and Champion for Peace dived to raise the flag of the 71st edition of the Monaco Grand Prix, for the benefit of the association AEQUALIA. This flag signed by various celebrities including sports like F1 drivers, tennis or football players, will be auctioned on 12 July. Peace and Sport was there to support and congratulates him.
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version française
