Soccer for Soccer Peace - San Marino and Israel joint Project

A Marino’s and Israel and the delegation was and inspiration. delegation composed of 8 Jewish organized by Mrs. Adi Sasaki – president This type of leadership training helps and 8 Arab young sportsmen from WFWP Israel. The pedagogical aspects of young people to learn ways of resolving Israel has arrived at San Marino the program and the parental care for the conflicts and preventing violent behavior. for a week of soccer training and children was taken care by of by Mr. The committee seeks to provide youth fun. The delegation was accompanied by David Gasperoni and Mr. Andrea Valgoi. from conflict ridden areas with an two coaches, an Israeli parliamentarian - On their first day, August 31st, the opportunity to become acquainted as Hon. Esawi Frej and was led by Mr. Hod delegation had an official reception at the future leaders of their respective nations. Ben Zvi – president of UPF, Israel. Parliament by the Heads of State – the And to do so tries to create a favorable and This is the 3rd round of this project that Captains Regent. On the following days, neutral environment for such process of started in 2015 in a program held in Torino they enjoyed a variety of exciting activities reconciliation through sports. San Marino Italy as an initiative of Mr. Giorgio that included among others: Professional and Italy are seen both by Israelis and Gasperoni – president UPF, San Marino. training by San Marino’s national team Palestinians as friendly nations, without coaches, visit to the historic areas of the prejudice and or taking sides. This project The objectives of the project are to bring a Republic, fun at the adventure park, is part of the Middle East Peace Initiative mixed youth (Arab-Jewish) team for evening ice breaking games and much and the global Peace Road project. friendly soccer matches with Sammarinese more. One of the highlights of the visit was counterparts and have an opportunity to Extensive media coverage and additional accompanying the national teams of photos can be found here train together. Northern Ireland and San Marino on a Thus, allowing the kids to meet and build soccer European qualifiers game. Photo selection can be seen here friendships among themselves that are rare Preparation for the International Game Media (articles and TV interviews) Small to find in the conflicted society in Israel. In Prior the San Marino vs N. Ireland game selection of photos can be found here. addition, the local children expand their Practicing together Video with the Secretary of State of understanding of other nations situation and cultural treasures and offer their The organizing committee’s vision is that Foreign Affairs of San Marino is here experience in a deeply rooted through education of true sports values, Final Video on a small Football sportsmanship tradition. young people can develop group Tournament is here. cooperation and fair-play. Other benefits The project was fully sponsored by the are promotion of good health, mind and FSGC (Sammarinese Football Federation) body unity, channeling the energy of youth

Meeting the Heads of State - Jewish and Arabs youth delegation - Group photo in the Parliament Hall

Preparation for the International Game - Prior the San Marino vs N. Ireland game - Practicing together