5,000 young people inspired the YMCA and the world in Prague, between the 4th and 10th of August 2013 for YMCA Europe Festival “LOVE 2 LIVE”!
Coming from more than 70 different countries spread across 5 continents, the participants celebrated diversity, international understanding and the pride of being members of the largest world network involving youth. The stories that they have lived in Prague will reach thousands more when they return home.
The programme included workshops, leadership training, worship, performances, music, sports and cultural events under the Patronage of the City of Prague.
A number of public and private institutions supported the Festival together with hundreds of local YMCAs that sent their participants to one of the largest events for young people ever organized by the YMCA in its history.
Read in full the Message of Mr. Martti Ahtisaari [President of Finland (1994–2000), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a United Nations diplomat and mediator noted for his international peace work] to the participants:
“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 Festival 2013 Press release.
Full photo album of the Festival here.
