Chicago-Based Nonprofit To Hold Annual World Peace Day 5K Run/Walk

Play for Peace will hold its sixth annual International Day of Peace 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. at Bartlett Nature Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit children and communities affected by conflict and support the various programs offered by Play for Peace, placing powerful tools in the hands of children and youth in U.S. neighborhoods as well as other countries like Guatemala and refugee camps in Europe - tools that can help resolve conflict, prevent violence, and create laughter, compassion and peace.

Six years ago Bartlett, IL native Aidan Hennessy was introduced to children playing in Guatemala via Skype as part of a Play for Peace initiative his mother's company was involved with. Inspired by what he saw, Hennessy later wrote for a class assignment that he would donate $100 to the Play for Peace organization so those children in Guatemala could continue to play together. Mother Lisa Gelsomino honored her son's wishes and helped create what is now the Annual World Peace Day 5K Run/Walk.

"I think it's important that kids from all walks of life and different communities can come together and play," says 11-year-old Hennessy. "Everyone needs friends, and the more friends you have from different walks of life, the more peaceful the world can be."

Using cooperative play to bring children and youth from different backgrounds together, Play for Peace creates safe spaces where they can forget about the fear that keeps them isolated and often causes them to engage in conflict and violence.

Play for Peace trains youth leaders from middle schools and high schools to facilitate cooperative, or educational, games with younger children. The youth learn leadership skills and serve as positive role models for younger students.

"For 20 years our work has created powerful changes in the children and youth that participate in our programs around the world," says Play for Peace Executive Director Sarah Gough. "We see that young people living in communities with high levels of violence or conflict are empowered to lead change and be role models for others."

Rayan, one Play for Peace youth leader the organization works with, came from the war-torn country of Iraq and was trained in the Play for Peace method while in a Greek refugee camp. He went on to establish another Play for Peace club in a different refugee camp when he was relocated to The Netherlands, receiving a national volunteer award for his efforts earlier this year,. Rayan, together with other Play for Peace young leaders, bring children of the camp together every week for cooperative play and fun, regardless of religion, ethnic background or language.

The 5K Run/Walk will take place on scenic trails over crushed limestone at the Bartlett Nature Center. Play for Peace will have an on-site trainer to host cooperative play while providing education on the importance of this program. Various vendors will provide entertainment including henna tattoos, face painting, crafts and an animal show in the auditorium of the nature center. The US Coast Guard, Bartlett Fire Department, WSHE radio station, a wildlife trailer will be present to support the event as well. The event finishes off with a Halloween glow hunt and campfire.

To register, visit https://my.playforpeace.org/event/fall-5k-run-walk/e169376.