Press Release Play Global!
Play Global!, a one-of-a-kind international baseball non-profit, is building batting cages, creating an innovative coach training program and setting up a special clinic in Uganda for local coaches and kids. The project uses baseball to teach respect, conflict resolution and teamwork to at-risk kids. As part of this unique program:
•Two Play Global staff will travel to Uganda from July 9-23. They will train baseball coaches and players, with an emphasis on teamwork and respect.
•Play Global has donated five batting cages for Ugandan baseball fields, which will be constructed in July.
•Ugandan coaches are participating Play Global’s two-year training program, where they learn from experienced coaches around the world through an online curriculum.
Baseball arrived in Uganda in 1989, but has quickly developed a strong following. Over 20,000 kids participate in local programs through the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association. These young players live in communities dealing with poverty and high rates of HIV. They also include refugee children from Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who struggle with cultural and social barriers. Despite these challenges, Uganda became the first African country to send a team to the Little League World Series in 2012. The young players participating in Uganda’s baseball and softball programs benefit from developing self-confidence and being part of a team.
“I have a community… who are always there in trouble and in happiness so I have a reason to keep playing,” says Samuel, a player from Jinja, Uganda, age 16.
Play Global! is part of a team of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen youth baseball and softball in Uganda through the Pearl of Africa Series. The Pearl of Africa Series is a collaborative effort that supports the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association, whose programs give kids a chance to play in a safe and supportive environment, helping them develop skills that will for success on and off the field. We are honored to collaborate with the Roberto Clemente Foundation, Commonwealth Games Canada, and Little League Canada in this effort. In addition to Play Global’s contributions, the Pearl of Africa Series is sending donated baseball equipment to Uganda, providing expertise in field maintenance and videography, and supporting a player transportation fund that will help young players travel to their games.
Play Global! is a nonprofit organization based in the U.S. and working internationally. Its mission is to develop respect and teamwork through baseball. Play Global! conducts programs in developing countries and conflict areas, with the goal of helping kids learn skills for success while having fun. Play Global! is also planning a program in Uganda in July 2014 in partnership with the Pearl of Africa Series. More information is available at www.play-global.org.