HRH Prince Feisal Opens Generations For Peace Sochi Camp 2011

Sochi, Russia, 10 October 2011: Generations For Peace’s eighth peace building camp was opened today in Sochi by the international NGO’s Founder and Chairman, HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, who expressed his conviction that this latest group of inspirational young change makers will "play their part in forging a brighter future for this generation and the next."

Generations For Peace Sochi Camp 2011 will build on the enormous successes of last year’s camp on Russia’s Black Sea coast. 53 delegates from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Serbia and the Russian Federation, identified through Generations For Peace’s rigorous selection process, will receive ten days’ intensive training in the use of sport for peace and development. The training curriculum will consist of ten highly-developed modules designed to equip delegates with the tools they need to implement sustainable peace through sport projects: Sport and Peace; Peace Building; Working with Children and Youth; Train the Trainers; Advocacy and Partnerships; Facilitator’s Guide; and four sports-specific modules.

Speaking at a press conference for this morning’s launch, HRH Prince Feisal described the keen sense of anticipation running through the group:

"I really share the delegates’ excitement about what lies ahead over the next ten days. I have been truly humbled and inspired by the delegates we have trained in the past, and the incredible impact they have gone on to achieve. These delegates may be just beginning their own journey with us, but I have no doubt that they too will become certified as Generations For Peace Pioneers, and feel that sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from serving their communities."

HRH Prince Feisal went on to underline the promise that has already been exhibited by this group of delegates. Those from Bosnia & Herzegovina are following directly in the footsteps of their compatriots, who have implemented a series of programmes since their excellent contribution to Sochi Camp 2010 and registered the first European Generations For Peace satellite office in Sarajevo. The Serbian delegates have already received preparatory training on use of sport for peace from last year’s participants, and are now working on establishing another satellite office with seat in Belgrade. Georgian delegates are attending for the very first time, thanks to the organisation’s strong networks throughout the region.

The largest delegation comes from the Russian Federation, and HRH Prince Feisal singled out the Sochi 2014 Volunteer Programme and its 26 nationwide Volunteer Centres for particular praise. The programme has supplied the majority of the Russian delegates, and HRH Prince Feisal emphasised the bright future their participation in Sochi Camp 2011 heralds:

"I see it as a real demonstration of how the Sochi 2014 Winter Games are being seized as a fantastic opportunity to drive social change and a new spirit of volunteerism. That spirit is already alive and with us at this Camp. I want to make special mention of the Camp Volunteers we have helping us. They are the backbone of Sochi Camp 2011 and their energy and commitment will help shape its success."

Also speaking at this morning’s press conference was Mayor of Sochi, Anatoly Pakhomov. HRH Prince Feisal hailed their shared vision of using the power of sport for peace and development, and thanked Mayor Pakhomov for his leadership in driving that vision. Mayor Pakhomov commented:

"We are honoured and delighted to welcome Generations For Peace back to Sochi for the second time. Our preparations to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014 have given Sochi a great opportunity to stimulate positive social change throughout the region, through the combined power of sport and volunteerism. Partnering with an international NGO like Generations For Peace, with its expert facilitators and highly-developed curriculum, means we can help spread that change in our City, our region, our nation, and beyond."

Generations For Peace Sochi Camp 2011 is the eighth training camp staged since the organisation’s inception in 2007. Last year’s camp in Sochi was the NGO’s first camp in Europe and it represented a significant landmark in its mission to achieve a truly global impact. Over the next ten days, the organisation’s leadership is confident that with the committed support of the city of Sochi and the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee, Generations For Peace will take another great leap forward in that mission.

For more information, visit www.generationsforpeace.com

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