Crossover Basketball N.I.
This project's parent organization is Basketball Northern Ireland
It operates in United Kingdom
It uses Basketball
Entered the Sport for Conflict Resolution Award
More about Crossover Basketball N.I.
Basketball carries no baggage as does other sports in Northern Ireland. N.Ireland has a deep history of Catholic and Protestant conflict and although the country is in a ceasefire situation the two communities are still segregated.
Using my ESPN Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2007 I have set up Crossover to bring the two communities together in areas where they would not get the opportunity. I have American coaches teaching the game and then slowly creating teams that will travel together to America where they will play and live together. When they return they will remain in the teams and have become lifelong friends. They will cross each other dividing lines and break the cycle of mistrust. We will change the mindset of these children so they do not become like their parents of 'The Troubles'.