OTISFIELD, MAINE | Between them they have helped their teams to three NBA titles and four NCAA Final Four appearances. But when they take the court at the Seeds of Peace, these athletes will be displaying a different kind of leadership.
On July 7, seven NBA players will headline the Play for Peace Program at the Seeds of Peace Camp. The athletes will conduct basketball clinics for nearly 200 campers from across the Middle East and South Asia, providing these teenagers from regions of conflict a chance to learn about the values of teamwork and cooperation.
This is the 10th year that Wasserman Media Group Principle Arn Tellem has organized Play for Peace, which in recent years has featured athletes like Derrick Rose, Teresa Edwards and Mia Hamm.
“As challenging times continue throughout the Middle East and South Asia, it is extremely beneficial to bring together athletes of diverse backgrounds to help teach the lessons of understanding and coexistence to these young campers,” said Tellem.
“For 10 years these NBA players have given the gift of their time, support and skills to our brave group of Seeds of Peace campers,” said Seeds of Peace Director Leslie Lewin. “Their doing so validates all the hard work we ask of our participants.”
“At a time when young people really are changing the shape of the Middle East, the impact of this type of empowerment will be felt far beyond the basketball court,” said Lewin.
NBA stars in attendance this week include Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics veteran Brian Scalabrine, who is making his eighth Play for Peace appearance, Jordan Farmar of the New Jersey Nets, who has led basketball clinics for Seeds of Peace in the Middle East, and DeAndre Jordan (Clippers).
Brandon Knight (Detroit Pistons), who took Kentucky to the Final Four this year, will be joined by fellow NBA newcomers Kyle Singler (Duke/Pistons), Jordan Hamilton (Texas/Nuggets), and Trey Thompkins (Georgia/Clippers).
Since 1993, Seeds of Peace has graduated nearly 5,000 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.