On 25 May 2011 ACCORD was invited to be a partner in the hosting of the Africa 11 vs World 11 International Peace Day Soccer Match hosted by the African Union and the Michael Essien Foundation. In 2010 the AU declared 2010 the Year of Peace and Security. Michael Essien, an international soccer player and a Ghanaian national, is an AU Peace Ambassador. The soccer match was a commitment made in 2010, to be held on Africa Day in 2011.
ACCORD was the only African NGO invited to partner on the above initiative, which received international press coverage as the game was broadcast live on TV. ACCORD had the opportunity to be well branded – both on banners on the field itself, as well as through its “Playing for Peace” magazine, which was distributed to VIP’s attending the match.
ACCORD also flew out international Reggae star, Ibo Cooper, who played at the 2010 Africa Peace Award in Durban when it was awarded to the Nation of Sierra Leone, to perform a Peace Song before the start of the match. The match highlighted the important role that sport can play in the promotion of peace and nation building.
