Peace running in Holy Land

The 3rd of May in the Press Conference Room of the European Parliament in Brussels will be presented the VIII edition of the JPII GAMES (John Paul II). The aim of this project is to promote in the Holy Land a culture based on peace and dialogue built on playing sport.

During the conference will be illustrated the more important news of the VIII JPII GAMES edition, that are organized by CSI (Centro Sportivo Italiano- Italian Sport Centre) in cooperation with Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi.

The Race has been taking place for 8 years from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, and this year is planned on the 22th of October. The day before, the 21th of October, will take place the JPII GAMES 2011, activities and competitions with the issues of carry a message of peace starting by sport.

The competitions will start the 21 October with a five-people-football championship between Italy, Israel and Palestine, involving local Sport Federations. The idea is that football pitch is like a meeting point, to improve the dialog. 

The day after, the 22 October, will take the Peace Running that will start from Bethlehem and will ending in Jerusalem, crossing the check point, that are the symbol of the division between the territories.

The Race is the only occasion in which Palestinian could entry in Israel without document's check.

During the press conference will speak Mario Mauro, Head of PdL Italian Delegation in the EPP Group at the European Parliament and Gianni Pittella, Vice President of European Parliament, both are the co- President of  "Centro Meseuro", it is a foundation that analyse the relationship between EU and Middle East; CSI President Massimo Achini; Father Cesare Atuire, managing director of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi - he is the event`s coorganizer - and Monsignor Claudio Paganini, CSI's National Ecclesiastic Consultant.

Program

Wednesday, October 21, 2011
4 pm JPII Games –five-people-football championship between Italian, Israeli, Palestinian teams
Jerusalem

7 pm Gala Dinner with Palestinian Authority
Bethlehem

Thursday, October 22, 2011
Marathon – Pilgrimage Bethlehem-Jerusalem
7 am starting Ceremony
Bethlehem-Nativity Square:

7:30 am Race´s Start

8:15 am Crossing of the check point

10 am Arrival in Jerusalem

10.30 am Arrival´s ceremony
Jerusalem

1 pm Gala Lunch with Israeli authorities
Jerusalem – Notre Dame Centre

3.30 pm "Sport for Peace" International Symposium
In collaboration with the MESEURO Centre

For further information:
Felice Alborghetti, Area Comunicazione CSI
tel. 0039 06 68404592, 0039 328 0112224
e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Elena Grazini Ufficio Stampa ORP
Tel. 0039 06 69896263, 0039 335 1610096
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