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The Game of Perseverance
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PeacePlayers International is a cross community organization in Northern Ireland. It uses basketball to unite young people from Protestant and Catholic communities and challenge an ingrained system of beliefs. Earlier this month, Northern Ireland experienced its first political killings in more than a decade. With the current political instability, the work of PeacePlayers is now more important than ever.

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In Northern Ireland, there isn’t a peace, but a peaceful co-existence. Two communities divide themselves with both physical and mental barriers that enforce an acceptance of segregation. Children grow up knowing that there is an us and a them, but rarely question it. PeacePlayers International is a cross community organization that uses the sport of basketball to bring communities together to look beyond walls and challenge this warped form of normality.

In recent weeks, PeacePlayers was reminded of how important our work truly is. Northern Ireland was brought back to a time in history most were trying to forget, following the murder of two British soldiers and a policeman by dissident republicans. The tension, fear, and angst of the past came to the forefront of news headlines and people’s minds, providing an unwelcome reminder of darker days.

However, the recent events have also led the people of Northern Ireland to question the beliefs of their communities and realize how important cross communal dialogue and mutual understanding is for the benefit of the next generation. There has been little to no support for the current political turmoil in the North, but on the contrary an increased support for initiatives like PeacePlayers.

Our work is now more important than ever. The government and politicians will do their best to serve their respective areas, but the work on the ground is what will make sure Northern Ireland never regresses into what it once was.

PeacePlayers’ mission is one that is both simple and intricately complex given the current circumstances. The people of Northern Ireland are going through a defining moment, and one that will put the current peace process to the test. Inherently decent and strong willed, it is without a doubt that they will be challenged, but ultimately persevere into a society of peace and stability. Through all the obstacles and bumps in the road, PeacePlayers will remain true to doing our part and help to create a Northern Ireland that isn’t defined by building barriers, but by opening doors.

-Will Maloney, Operations Manager, PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland

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