OTISFIELD, MAINE | On August 5, professional basketball players will join 186 Seeds of Peace campers from the Middle East and South Asia on their journey to overcome legacies of conflict and courageously engage each other as a first step to creating change.
During the Play for Peace clinic, these young campers will get a break from their intense daily dialogue encounters and learn teamwork and hoops skills from some of the best basketball players and minds in the game, including Teresa Edwards, the Hall of Famer and WNBA legend, and Kelly Olynyk of the Boston Celtics.
A visit from world-class athletes and coaches will bring renewed energy to Camp as the players demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills on and off the field as they learn more about our campers and the challenges they face as they work for change.
This is the 13th year that Play for Peace has been organized by Seeds of Peace board member and former sports agent Arn Tellem, who now heads the Detroit Pistons front office. He will be joined by NBA Senior Vice President Charlie Rosenzweig.
“I am very proud to be associated with Seeds of Peace and the work they are doing around the world,” said Arn Tellem. “This is an incredible opportunity for these athletes to hear a wide range of perspectives directly from young people who will be at the forefront of creating change in their communities.”
Oliver Hanlan (Utah Jazz) will represent the 2015 NBA rookie class, and will be joined by two-time NBA Champion Matt Bonner (San Antonio Spurs) and Jake Cohen (Hapoel Jerusalem).
Retired NBA players in attendance this week include NBA Champion Brian Scalabrine (Boston Celtics), who is making his record ninth Play for Peace appearance, and Dwight Davis, who now serves as the National Basketball Retired Players Association Board of Directors Vice Chair.
“This the 13th year that NBA players have given the gift of their time, skills and support to our brave group of Seeds of Peace campers,” said Seeds of Peace Executive Director Leslie Lewin.
“Play for Peace validates the hard work we ask of our participants, gives them a short break from the difficult process of dialogue, and provides them with a sense of empowerment that will be felt far beyond the basketball court.”
Seeds of Peace inspires and cultivates new generations of leaders in communities divided by conflict. We equip them with the skills and relationships they need to accelerate social, economic, and political changes essential for peace.