Implemented by The Association for Historical Dialogue and research (AHDR) and the Home for Cooperation, in collaboration with United Sports Cyprus (USC) and Akdeniz Spor Birliği, “Game Changers” is a Sports and Peace Education Program aiming at increasing contact between the different communities in Cyprus. It also aims to promote peace, understanding and anti-racism on the island in the context of a holistic understanding of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence inspired by UN documents, resolutions and plans of action.

The project is based on a step-by-step approach, and the methodology employed in the workshops is adapted to different age groups and educational levels. Initially, trainers visit teams and groups interested in participating in the bi-communal activities, create safe spaces for discussion about stereotypes, discrimination and racism as components of the prevailing culture of violence, and facilitate experiential activities exploring these concepts. An important aspect of this activity is also to prepare children for contact with their peers from the other communities.

At a second stage, teams and groups from the different communities are paired based on their age group and are offered the opportunity to participate in a mixture of Sport Activities, with NGOs United Sports Cyprus and Akdeniz Spor Birliği, and anti-racist workshops at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone.

The goal for all participating youth is that, through regular, structured and positive interactions, children’s perceptions of the ‘other’ will begin to improve, and they will have the tools and learn together how to begin leading their communities towards more peaceful futures.