In Prague, Czech Republic, from August 4th to the 10th, YMCA Festival LOVE 2 LIVE will provide a unique opportunity for 5,000 young people to come together.
Coming from 57 different countries, the participants will celebrate diversity, international understanding and everything that is inspiring about being young.
2013 is the European Year of Citizenship. YMCA Europe celebrates this very special occasion on its 40th anniversary providing a space for thousands of young people, exploring their dreams and aspirations. It is a space that leads for transformation and impact.
The program will include workshops, leadership training, performances, music, sports and cultural events under the Patronage of the City of Prague. An international planning team has worked over the past three years focusing on a diverse and relevant program for all based on YMCA Europe´s flagship initiatives: integration, social justice, healthy living and peace.
Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of the Republic of Finland Mr. Martti Ahtisaari addresses all participants at the Festival:
“I hope that this week will strengthen you with an understanding of how we all, no matter where we come from, can live peacefully side by side, with compassion and empathy for others…” YMCA has played a great role in shaping my life. it started with basketball practices in my hometown Oulu. My YMCA friends also directed me to my first posting abroad. From there, I have travelled onwards in my life and career of international development and peace-making… Peace making is team work, where the goal is to ensure that everyone in the world is able to live in dignity. The important mission of YMCA supports this same goal.”
YMCA Europe is an international umbrella organization that serves and represents 45 national YMCAs throughout Europe. Collectively, YMCA´s in Europe serve more than 2 million young people in 5,574 locations with more than 100,0000 volunteers and 21,800 staff in cooperation with different public and private institutions.
Contacts:
Juan Simoes Iglesias, Secretary General (juan@ymcaeurope.com)
Ian Luck, Festival Manager (ian@ymcaeurope.com)
