Peace and Sport and the International Rugby Board Sign Agreement

and the International Rugby Board (IRB) have joined forces to deliver peace-building education programmes through Rugby.

The agreement was ratified by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties. The MOU was signed by IRB President Bernard Lapasset and Peace and Sport President Joel Bouzou at the SportAccord 2009 Conference in Denver, USA on March 24.

Joel Bouzou, said: “This exciting partnership strengthens Peace and Sport’s capacity to continue its global programme of assisting the social integration of thousands of young people in distress around the world, including the street kids and war orphans.”

“Through the provision of technical support, personnel, development expertise and the collective desire to make a difference, Peace and Sport and the IRB will work together to implement a number of regional education programmes. Rugby is a perfect vehicle to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and peace.”

IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset said: “We believe that Rugby’s universal values of respect, friendship, team work and fair play are a natural platform from which to contribute to overcoming the social challenges that exist around the world. These values are also closely aligned to those of Peace and Sport so it is a natural association.”

“We are looking forward to working with Peace and Sport and creating new opportunities for Rugby as a vehicle for social change. This agreement is further evidence of our commitment to promote peace and peace-building programmes around the world.”

Peace and Sport already has an extensive global support network operating programmes in Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, Israel, Palestine, East Timor and Colombia. It has the backing of governments, international sports federations and international corporations.

The IRB has 116 National Federations affiliated through six regions and funds and delivers extensive development programmes across the globe. The synergy between Peace and Sport and the IRB will mean that more young children than ever before will be reached by locally-based projects in selected countries.