Olympic Gold Medalist Ron Freeman has been working with a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau to organize a sports program here in Guinea. The Chargé d’Affaires Kent Brokenshire kicked off the result of this grant last Saturday, March 29th. The Guinea Youth Peace Games brought together eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams for a soccer tournament and health education on HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Brokenshire also spoke to the young athletes about the importance of sportsmanship and fair play. According to him, the most important idea at today’s events is the promotion of good sportsmanship and fair play which occurs when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect.  The real winners of the event are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity — whether they win or lose a game.