We are pleased to announce that PeacePlayers has been selected as the recipient of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2023 Mannie Jackson Basketball’s Human Spirit Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions towards the human condition through basketball. PeacePlayers joins an illustrious group of previous recipients (including Ray Allen – who incidentally joined PeacePlayers Middle East for practice last year) who have used the power of basketball to uplift and transform. PeacePlayers will formally receive the award on Friday, August 11th as part of the Hall of Fame induction weekend activities. 

John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, shared his excitement about this year’s awards:

“While we are most well-known for the work we do to honor those who excelled on the hardwood, it is important to commemorate and celebrate individuals who have used their position to have a positive impact on their communities and those around them. The PeacePlayers organization was selected as this year’s Mannie Jackson recipient because of their important work of promoting peace and leadership among youth around the world.”

PeacePlayers Co-Founder and President Brendan Tuohey dedicated this achievement to the people behind the movement:

“We at PeacePlayers are honored to receive the 2023 Mannie Jackson Basketball’s Human Spirit Award. Thank you to Mannie Jackson for creating this special recognition and to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for its contributions in growing the game of basketball around the globe. PeacePlayers dedicates this award to the staff, supporters, partners, communities and most importantly, the youth – who have worked together for the past twenty plus years to use basketball to bridge divides and develop leaders.

About the Mannie Jackson Basketball’s Human Spirit Award

Established in 2007, the Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award honors individuals who have found the game of basketball to be a contributing aspect of their personal growth and accomplishment, a place to develop an understanding of others, and an avenue that has helped shape their growth into recognized visionary leaders. Winners must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson’s life-long mission to overcome obstacles and challenge the status quo while taking responsibility for their actions and seeking the highest standard of excellence.

About PeacePlayers

PeacePlayers is a global, youth-led movement dedicated to creating more peaceful and equitable societies across the world — through basketball. Founded in 2001, PeacePlayers has worked with more than 75,000 young people in 22 countries, and operates year-round local programs in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States.

For inquiries, contact Haley Riley, PeacePlayers Global Co-Executive Director, at hriley@peaceplayers.org