“Sports 4 Peace” is an initiative designed to cultivate a peace-building mentality among young people through sport. Unlike traditional sports that adhere to strict codes, we employ specially designed sport-based activities, games, and drills that incorporate peer-group peace-building education. Our primary focus is on achieving peace-building outcomes rather than merely developing athletic skills or competitive spirit.
The guiding principle of Sports 4 Peace is embodied in the Golden Rule, which originates from the great commandment: “Do unto others as you would like to be done unto you.” This rule is further illustrated through the Dice of Peace, which features six guiding messages:
- DO YOUR BEST!
Commit yourself fully and maintain a positive spirit. - PLAY FAIR!
Be honest with yourself and others. - HANG IN THERE!
Never give up, even when the going gets tough. - TAKE CARE OF ALL!
Everyone is important and deserves respect. - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Together, you can achieve great results. - CELEBRATE!
Enjoy everyone’s success as much as your own.
Sports4Peace was implemented in Moroto District from August 19 to 26, in collaboration with African Mission – CnD, NASSO, the Focolare Movement Project Office in Kenya, and DIE STERNSINGER – KINDERMISSIONSWERK. The theme of the workshop was “Learn Peace through Sports and Games.”
The program began with training 33 animators in child protection on the first day. On the second day, Dr. Alois and his team led the animators through various concepts of Sports4Peace while emphasizing the Golden Rule. The Dice of Peace was introduced for use by the team. The animators also learned about the background of the Focolare Movement, a lay movement in the Catholic Church founded by Chiara Lubich, our foundress. Dr. Alois, a consecrated lay person in the Focolare Movement, is the founder of Sports4Peace and has spread its ideals across different continents.
The animators participated in three days of theoretical and practical sessions at the CnD Youth Centre, led by senior animators Dr. Alois, Chris, Stanley, Tony, and Simon. After the workshop, the animators were sent off to organize game festivals over the next three days.
The first game festival took place at the CnD Youth Center and attracted approximately 300 youths and children from neighboring communities. A variety of games were held, including the parachute, pull ring, trust run & bridge, and cross the bridge. This first festival showcased how to communicate, support one another, and build peace through play.
The second festival was held at the same venue and engaged 150 vocational students from CnD Youth Center. During this event, the students applied various Sports4Peace concepts and games. By the end of the festival, they learned how to communicate through sports, aiming to foster harmony among themselves.
The third Sports4Peace festival occurred at the Naoi grounds in Moroto town, attracting 350 youths and children from various parts of the town, including the parish youth of Naoi. Participants enthusiastically engaged in games and shared their experiences, emphasizing teamwork, mutual support, and a collective celebration of their achievements.
The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony for the animators, attended by Sports4Peace trainers, CnD senior personnel, and the youth chaplain of Moroto Diocese, Fr. Justine Losike. The key takeaway for the animators was to implement the Sports4Peace games in their communities, promoting a culture of peace through sports and play.