Beyond Sport Summit's First Two Awards Announced

The Sport For Peace Award went to Open Fun Football Schools, which is a politically independent, non-profit humanitarian organisation for the purpose of reconciliation and integration among people through dialogue and collaboration based in 15 countries in the Balkans, Trans-Caucasus and the Middle East.

Each 'school' lasts five days and includes at least 200 children from 7 to 11 years, 15 voluntary coaches and 12 coach assistants.

In 10 years football schools for approximately 200,000 children have been implemented and education for approximately 20,000 voluntary leaders and coaches has been organised.

Goals For a Better Life was the project that scooped up the UNICEF Children’s Rights Award. This Colombian initiative focuses on the children, who are often times displaced by violence and have families who struggle to support them.

The program provides football training and supports and motivates the integration of education as a fundamental part of the overall program.

While keeping children in school, and giving them a place to use their spare time wisely - attending football training and other activities - the project distances children from the dangers exhibited on the street, such as violence, drug addiction, gangs, crime, prostitution and child labour, among others.

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]