Prince: how sport can give peace a real chance ; BRIDGE BUILDER. Jordan's ambitious project to unite conflicting nations Second Edition

• Published in: The Independent on Sunday
• Main Author: Alan Hubbard IN AMMAN
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: London (UK) Independent Digital News & Media 16.07.2006

Behind the revolutionary roadmap, aimed at helping unite warring nations through sport, is Jordan's Prince Feisal, the younger brother of the king who, when we met during our visit to one of the most sportingly ambitious nations in the Arab world, exclusively revealed what he terms his "Peace Through Sport" initiative. He has already laid the foundations for a pilot scheme, to be launched this summer, which will bring together in Jordan nations who traditionally have had conflict. He explains: "We hope the project will look across boundaries, showing that sport can teach teamwork and help us learn about each other. "It is important that sport plays its part in our society. So far there is only a limited amount of professionalism, but we need to create icons who could be positive role models for our youth. Half of our population is 18 or below." Although an Islamic nation, [Jordan] openly fosters multi-culturalism, and unlike some Arab neighbours encourages the participation of women in politics, business and all sports. Prince Feisal's 16-year-old daughter, Princess Ayah, is an accomplished volleyball player, and he serves on the IOC's Women and Sport Commission. "In this country our constitution guarantees that women have total equality. We also have the highest level of participation of women in sport in the Middle East. Every sport here is open to women.