The contribution of sport within the process - International Platform ...
The contribution of sport within the process - International Platform ...
The contribution of sport within the process - International Platform ...
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<strong>the</strong> streets <strong>of</strong> Iten town.<br />
Among those who participated in <strong>the</strong> walk were former steeplechase champion Moses<br />
Kiptanui, former Boston Marathon Moses Tanui, Kenyan-born Dane Lornah Kiplagat<br />
and Yobesh Ondiek. O<strong>the</strong>rs were <strong>the</strong> world 800m champion Janet Chepkosgei,<br />
marathoner Luke Kibet, Douglas Wakiihuri and Daniel Komen.<br />
“Tegla Loroupe foundation”<br />
<strong>The</strong> 15 th <strong>of</strong> November, ten months since <strong>the</strong> post election violence, <strong>the</strong> sixth<br />
edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual Tegla Loroupe Peace Race in Pokot, Rift Valley, <strong>of</strong>fered a good<br />
opportunity for speeding-up <strong>the</strong> country's healing <strong>process</strong>.<br />
Though <strong>the</strong> event organised by <strong>the</strong> Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation was meant to<br />
foster peace between nor<strong>the</strong>rn Kenya pastoral communities that have been involved in<br />
fighting over livestock rustling and pastures, <strong>the</strong> event also <strong>of</strong>fered a reconciliation<br />
platform for parties involved in <strong>the</strong> December/January violence that erupted due to<br />
disputed presidential vote results.<br />
Since its inception in 2003, <strong>the</strong> peace race has been a perfect mingling point for<br />
people <strong>of</strong> all walks <strong>of</strong> life - <strong>the</strong> powerful, <strong>the</strong> humble, <strong>the</strong> rich, <strong>the</strong> poor, <strong>the</strong> <strong>sport</strong>s-<br />
styled and <strong>the</strong> rocky, diplomats, civil servants and <strong>sport</strong>s administrators.<br />
It is expected that about 5000 people, who will include 1500 <strong>sport</strong>s people will take<br />
part in this year's edition that will end at Makutano primary school and not at <strong>the</strong><br />
stadium as usual because <strong>the</strong> stadium is booked for ano<strong>the</strong>r event.<br />
Loroupe has used her <strong>sport</strong>ing prowess and her name to improve human conditions<br />
and because <strong>of</strong> her role in humanitarian projects, she received <strong>the</strong> prestigious Georg<br />
Von Opel award in 2003. She was <strong>the</strong> first Kenyan to receive <strong>the</strong> award which was<br />
presented in Frankfurt, Germany.<br />
Loroupe can be termed as <strong>the</strong> country's mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> long distance running. She<br />
holds <strong>the</strong> world records for 20, 25 and 30 kilometres and previously held <strong>the</strong> world<br />
marathon record. She is <strong>the</strong> three-time World Half-Marathon champion. She was <strong>the</strong><br />
first African woman to win <strong>the</strong> New York City Marathon, which she has won twice. She<br />
has won marathons in London, Boston, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Berlin, Rome and<br />
many <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r cities.<br />
Borsani Serena – Master in Human Rights and Conflict Management 2008<br />
Dissertation<br />
45<br />
Street soccer to promote peace in Nairobi<br />
A street soccer to promote peace and reconciliation was held in Nairobi on June<br />
<strong>the</strong> 14 th , 2008. <strong>The</strong> UN Habitat, UNICEF and Safer World sponsored <strong>the</strong> match, who<br />
brought toge<strong>the</strong>r eight teams, one from each <strong>of</strong> Nairobi’s eight constituencies.<br />
<strong>The</strong> event targeting mainly <strong>the</strong> youth was meant to promote team spirit, showcase<br />
talent, and share ideas on income generating activities and leadership skills.<br />
In between <strong>the</strong> matches, peace and reconciliation messages were staged through<br />
<strong>the</strong>atrical activities and music.<br />
Before <strong>the</strong> matches, <strong>the</strong> youth held road shows to preach peace in areas worst<br />
affected by <strong>the</strong> post 2007 election violence as <strong>the</strong>y mobilize participation in <strong>the</strong> event<br />
held at Makongeni grounds.<br />
4.2.2 SPORT LEAGUES OR GAMES AS SINGLE PROJECT OF A<br />
PROGRAM<br />
Sports make it easy to hold dialogue forums with <strong>the</strong> youths as well as o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
community members. Sometimes a <strong>sport</strong> for peace project can be part <strong>of</strong> a long-term<br />
peace-building program where <strong>sport</strong> is just a tool to reach <strong>the</strong> overall objectives <strong>of</strong><br />
lasting peace, reconciliation, development and social change. <strong>The</strong> attention is not<br />
focused on <strong>sport</strong> physical benefits but mainly on building relationship and creating<br />
opportunity for a dialogue to eradicate <strong>the</strong> root <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conflict.<br />
Sport league by World Vision<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> its long-term plan for peace-building and reconciliation in Kenya,<br />
Christian aid agency World Vision has been establishing <strong>sport</strong>s leagues to help<br />
address deep-rooted ethnic issues that have contributed to violence in <strong>the</strong> country for<br />
more than a month.<br />
According to World Vision's emergency response communicator in Kenya, Patterson<br />
Siema, Humanitarian and development agencies need to focus on <strong>the</strong> issues that<br />
have divided this country over <strong>the</strong> years.<br />
One way World Vision provides social and psychological support to Kenyans<br />
affected by <strong>the</strong> recent violence is by organizing <strong>sport</strong>s leagues. Designed to help heal<br />
Borsani Serena – Master in Human Rights and Conflict Management 2008<br />
Dissertation<br />
46