[December 02, 2008]

Generations for Peace participants learn peace building, softball

AMMAN, Dec 01, 2008 (Jordan Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
As the Generations for Peace Camp entered its halfway point, young leaders from across the world on Sunday learned about the media's role in peacebuilding and team concepts through softball.

Following three days of interactive classroom sessions combined with practical sports coaching in Amman, 71 delegates from 16 countries toured Petra and Wadi Rum while en route for two intensive days of training in Aqaba, according to a statement released by organisers.

Created by HRH Prince Feisal, the initiative uses sport as a vehicle for peace building in divided communities.

This year's camp has attracted delegates from seven Asian and nine African countries that have gone through the horrors of war.

On Sunday, the delegates received coaching from softball experts provided by the International Softball Federation.

Softball's simple rules and mixed-gender team aspects encouraged organisers to use the sport, with most delegates playing it for the first time.

"Today has been very important for the Generations for Peace delegates who have learnt the importance of inclusiveness in sport," Prince Feisal said.

"Softball is new to many of them but already they have seen the advantage of using a team sport that allows girls and boys, men and women to play together. It is also a sport that uses many different physical facets and skills, so everyone can be included," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, participants learned about the role media plays in spreading the global message of peace and were advised on how to build and maintain relationships with the local media in their home countries.

"Generations for Peace needs publicity to grow around the world, therefore the media session was particularly important. There was intense interest from the delegates and I was impressed by the understanding and experience that many already have in dealing with the media," the Prince said, commenting on the media relations aspect of the course.

With the camp halfway through, delegates have honed their new skills in basketball and volleyball, according to organisers.

In addition, participants have also taken football training sessions under the guidance of an English professional provided by the Laureus Foundation, one of the Generations for Peace partners.

The camp's 10-day Peace Pioneer Certification Programme comprises intense interactive theory and practical sporting work delivered by leading international and local peace education experts and sports coaches.

The training programme is composed of four key modules which focus on the roles peace pioneers will undertake within their communities: Peace building, working with children, training trainers and advocacy for the Generations for Peace initiative.

The National Federations of Jordan and the Jordan Paralympic Committee are contributing by providing coaches, facilities and equipment, and several international federations are also supporting the camp by sending coaches.

These include the International Softball Federation, the International Association of Athletics Federations, the International Volleyball Federation and the Federation Internationale de Football Association.

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