"Even though there are kids from different places, being cool doesn't matter, it's about being nice to each other that makes you cool in the first place."
This fall Play for Peace partnered with Denver Parks & Recreation to form 2 Play for Peace Clubs in Westwood Neighborhood, an area often characterized by high; poverty, immigrant population, school dropout rates, drug use, conflict, and crime. Working in this neighborhood some incredible people help children thrive even when faced with so many challenges. This includes the dedicated Denver Parks & Rec team and Play for Peace trainers who have worked so hard to create a safe space for children to play, grow, and learn. Meet a few of the children below who are part of this program. Meet Donovan pictured above. He is an active Play for Peace participant.
"I used Play for Peace when I was at home playing with kids in my neighborhood. The kids were fighting with each other because they didn't want to play the same game so I decided to make a game that was like both games. I knew I wanted to play a certain game, but I decided it was best to compromise to make peace. We got along after that. I think that even though there are kids from different places, being cool doesn't matter, it's about being nice to each other that makes you cool in the first place."
Meet Perry. He is in fourth grade and has been attending the Denver Parks & Rec SOAR after-school program for many years. He comes from a family with an older brother and a single mom. When asked why he loves Play for Peace he says;
"It allows me to have fun in a safe place and meet new friends not in my classes."
Meet Adan. He has 2 brothers and a single mother who is fighting cancer. Adan and his brothers can walk home and choose if they would like to attend the Denver Parks & Rec program or not. Most days, even if his brothers do not join him, he stays because he says that;
"Play for Peace has changed my life."
