From Shane Crowhen and the great folks at Sport and Dev. Shane’s post is below with the full article from PeacePlayers at http://peaceplayersintl.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/ppi-me-presents-the-inaugural-girls-ldp-team/.

Basketball Promoting Peace Conflict Resolution Skills Among Girls

Shane Crowhen , 01 October 2009 |

Last Tuesday wasn’t just the team’s first practice of the year, but it was also the debut of the PeacePlayers International – Middle East (PPI-ME) female Leadership Development Program (LDP) Team. The girls were initially wary of playing the boys but the results spoke volumes…

The LDP Programme is an initiative to provide ongoing basketball and conflict resolution training to those who have been involved with PPI for some time.

The LDP teams first began in 2007 with a team of boys from numerous different Arab and Jewish communities coming together to take part not only in basketball but also community service projects as well as volunteering at PPI-ME events.

Projects the LDP team have been involved in since have included painting and refurbishing a special needs school and assisting local coaches at practices.

The newly formed female LDP team is made up of girls who have been involved with PPI-ME for 4 years or in some cases longer. These girls have shown themselves to be skilled on the basketball court as well as demonstrating great leadership ability.

The LDP female team will be involved with volunteering and life skills activities throughout the year to build on their current leadership skills. And of course, there will be basketball, with the girls more than prepared to take on the boys. The result from last week: a 10-all tie!