You might already be familiar with Peace One Day (POD), the non-profit organization founded in 1999. As a result of POD's efforts, 21 September is officially designated by the United Nations as an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence - Peace Day.
POD's aim is to raise global awareness of Peace Day, and to inspire the global community to act on the Day. On 21 September 2007, approximately 100 million people were active on Peace Day in 192 countries. There were life-saving initiatives in 14 countries, and over 80 activities in Afghanistan alone where 1.4 million children were vaccinated against polio. In 2008 a further 1.8 million children in Afghanistan were vaccinated against Polio.
Peace One Day’s inaugural ‘One Day One Goal’ campaign supported by PUMA saw over 400 football (soccer) matches played in 180 countries in honour of Peace Day 21 September 2008.
The amazing ‘One Day One Goal’ matches, which were recorded in pictures, films and posters, have proved that football is a powerful tool in uniting people across the world for peace. From the match played in the City of Khanaqin that brought together the Iraqi army and the Kurdish Peshmerga, to a friendly match that saw a team from Tijuana, Mexico, cross the border to play with school children in Chula Vista, California, USA; each and every participant helped us to raise even further awareness of Peace Day, 21 September. You can see images from some of the extraordinary matches played last year, and find out more about One Day One Goal, by visiting www.peaceoneday.org/football.aspx
ONE DAY ONE GOAL 2009!
This year (POD’s 10th anniversary), with the ongoing support of PUMA, we aim to see football matches played in all 192 member states of the United Nations on Peace Day, Monday 21 September 2009. Each ‘One Day One Goal’ will celebrate cooperation, unity, and the power of football to bring people together on Peace Day.
Remember: it’s not the scale of your football match that counts – it’s your willingness to get involved that makes the difference! I’m delighted to announce that PUMA have also agreed to give away a POD-PUMA football to the first 2009 ‘One Day One Goal’ match that is logged from each country.
If you like to participate in our ‘One Day One Goal’ 2009 project, or have any questions, please email us at web@peaceoneday.org
Thank you in advance for your support!
Best regards
In Peace
Peace One Day Team
