The Danish organization Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA) uses grassroots sports as a tool for social cohesion in society and post-conflict reconciliation. In 1998 they introduced the Open Fun Football Schools program in the war torn Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Open Fun Football Schools project is organized by CCPA in cooperation with the Football Association of Norway (NFF) The project has developed into a broad Nordic cooperation, which so far involves larger regional operations in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Moldova and the Middle East. Furthermore, CCPA has been UEFA Charity Partner since 2002. In 2009 they received the Sport for Peace Award at the Beyond Sport Awards.
The Open Fun football Schools is directed towards supporting the development of civil society and the strength of the project is to be found in its ability to generate social capital; strengthen relations between people and build community platforms engaging a wide scope of relevant stakeholders.
This program concentrates on bringing children from war zones together through football. In this way grassroots sport creates a “space” that is not politically contaminated. “Football constitutes a universal language, which can be used by everyone. It is a language of fun, enjoyment and team spirit that derive from the game” (CEO Anders Levinsen). Football is emotions and, therefore, football can function as a “driver” that unites people across cultural or religious differences. It is a new and joyful way of playing football, giving participants the chance to gain some new experiences. It is more important that children learn that playing football is “fun”.
Famous quotes containing the words open, fun, football and/or schools:
“I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your eyes, is really one of life’s sensational pleasures.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)
“As artists they’re rot, but as providers they’re oil wells; they gush. Norris said she never wrote a story unless it was fun to do. I understand Ferber whistles at her typewriter. And there was that poor sucker Flaubert rolling around on his floor for three days looking for the right word.”
—Dorothy Parker (1893–1967)
“Idon’t enjoy getting knocked about on a football field for other people’s amusement. I enjoy it if I’m being paid a lot for it.”
—David Storey (b. 1933)
“To me, nothing can be more important than giving children books, It’s better to be giving books to children than drug treatment to them when they’re 15 years old. Did it ever occur to anyone that if you put nice libraries in public schools you wouldn’t have to put them in prisons?”
—Fran Lebowitz (20th century)