OTISFIELD, MAINE | One of the world’s greatest female soccer players, Mia Hamm, will join four NBA players and Basketball Hall of Famer Teresa Edwards on Thursday, July 29, for the 9th Annual Play for Peace program at the Seeds of Peace Camp.
The athletes will conduct sports clinics for the 155 campers from across the Middle East and Maine.
Organized by Wasserman Media Group Principle and Seeds of Peace board member Arn Tellem, Play for Peace has provided an opportunity for teenagers from regions of conflict to learn more about the values of teamwork and cooperation.
“As challenging times continue throughout the Middle East, it is extremely beneficial to bring together athletes of diverse backgrounds to help teach lessons in understanding and coexistence to these young campers,” said Tellem.
“These world class athletes are helping reinforce the lessons in leadership, trust, and mutual respect the teenagers are learning at Camp,” said Seeds of Peace Director Leslie Lewin.
NBA stars in attendance include Boston Celtics veteran Brian Scalabrine, who is making his eighth Play for Peace appearance, Xavier Henry (Memphis Grizzlies), Brian Zoubek (New Jersey Nets), and Scottie Reynolds (Phoenix Suns).
Three-time Olympic medalist Hamm has scored more international goals than any other player in soccer history. She led the University of North Carolina to four NCAA titles, and won two FIFA World Cups during 17 years as a member of the US national team.
She started the Mia Hamm Foundation to provide funding for bone marrow transplant patients and opportunities for women in sports. Hamm also is a founding member of Athletes for Hope, a nonprofit that inspires other athletes to reach the same levels of dedication in philanthropy as they have in sports.
Hamm will be accompanied at the Seeds of Peace Camp by her husband, retired Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra.
Teresa Edwards is the most decorated Olympic basketball player in history, male or female, having won one bronze and four gold medals. She has made a number of international trips on behalf of the State Department and the WNBA/NBA in recent years.
Since 1993, Seeds of Peace has graduated well over 4,000 teenagers from five conflict regions from its internationally-recognized leadership program. Through its Camp in Maine and regional programs, participants develop empathy, respect, and confidence as well as leadership, communication and negotiation skills—all critical components that will ensure peaceful coexistence for the next generation.