Washington, D.C., Sept. 14th, 2011 - The Peace Corps and the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), a division of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), will increase collaboration on developing and implementing youth sports programs in countries that Peace Corps volunteers work.
Peace Corps volunteers will have the opportunity to access to IAYS equipment, educational materials, and training that will help improve the quality of life of young people in developing countries through sports. A letter of collaboration was signed by Peace Corps Chief of Staff Stacy Rhodes and President and CEO of IAYS Fred Engh during a ceremony at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.
"Through this collaboration with IAYS, Peace Corps volunteers will have more tools to empower youth in communities around the world," said Rhodes, who is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Bolivia, 1968-1970). "Volunteers will work with IAYS to provide quality sports programs that promote physical fitness and teach youth important life skills."
"The idea to collaborate with the Peace Corps in this initiative is one that we have been working on for quite some time," said IAYS President and CEO Engh. "President Kennedy, who founded the Peace Corps in 1961, believed very much in the power of sports and I believe he would be proud today to see this collaboration become a reality."
In the past, many Peace Corps volunteers informally worked with IAYS on sports programs in countries such as Armenia, Guatemala, and Morocco.
"Sports can play a large role in youth development for many reasons," said Peace Corps volunteer Alex Cash of Jackson, Mich. "By learning about respect, teamwork, and determination through sports, young people can become more rounded and capable adults."
Cash, a youth development volunteer in Morocco, received seven boxes of sports equipment, including 50 basketballs, from IAYS in April 2011 that she used to start an after school basketball program at her local youth center.
Peace Corp volunteers work with youth in several communities worldwide in order to help them develop skills for transitioning from school to work, preparing for family life, and becoming engaged and active citizens in their communities. It is the goal of this exciting collaboration to continue to fulfill this great mission by now also introducing and engaging youth in positive sports experiences as well.
About The National Alliance for Youth Sports: The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), founded in 1981, is America's leading advocate for positive and safe sports and activities for children. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is based in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The IAYS, NAYS' international division, focuses on assisting communities around the world with implementing sports programs as a means to develop peace and life skills as well as a healthy lifestyle. It partners with worldwide organizations like Children International and it recently collaborated with the Guatemalan government in bringing its signature program, Game On! Youth Sports, to schools and communities throughout Guatemala.
About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world.
Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries.
Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
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