THE FIRST EVER PEACE PITCH IN SAMOA
In the week of the Commowealth Heads Of Goverment Meeting 2024, Samoa; St Joseph College, Lotopa became the first peace pitch in the Pacific to twin its designated area of play with Flanders Peace Field, Mesen, Flanders, site of the 1914 First World War Christmas Truces.
The signing of the Peace Field Project Peace Declaration Certificate. Celebrating peace education through play.
‘This is truly a wonderful event for the young people of St Joseph College. The shared values of peace education through play is in tune with our school and Samoan culture‘, Kevin O’Malley, Principal.
The event was in the memory of Joe Chan Ting (Nuuleleiuamatagofie). Joe, connected St Joeseph College’s peace pitch with Flanders Peace Field. His wife, Vanda and their three sons, Oliver Junior Cepha Chan Ting, Faasoa Aniseto Leonidas Chan Ting and Fainuulelei Trevino Chan Ting, attended the historic event. Lenalei Daijimara Chan Ting, Joe and Vanda’s daughter, currently attends Auckland Unversity of Technology and she was there in spirit. Joe’s family signed the Peace Field Project Peace Declaration Certificate which officially twins Samoa’s peace pitch with Flanders Peace Field Peace Pitch, Mesen, Flanders, Belgium.
Joe Chan Ting (Nuuleleiuamatagofie)
‘These are tears of joy by the way. Anybody who met Joe knew he would do anything to support young people. This is a special day for St Joseph’s College and it will be remembered for many years to come.‘ Vanda Chan Ting
Vanda Chan Ting
Young people from the College and surrounding communities were presented with an English Premier League football kit kindly donated by Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.
‘The children from Samoa, about as far as you can go across the world, loved their Brighton & Hove Albion football kits‘. Paul Cooper, Co Founder, Director, CFA.
Together with the Commonwealth Bond Trust the CFA helped hoist the Commonwealth Flag of Peace for the first time in Samoa at St Joseph’s College.
‘I was truly moved to hear the wonderful Samoan voices sing traditional songs at the ceremony. It was an honour to meet Joe’s family. I will remember Vanda’s words about Joe for ever‘. Ernie Brennan. Founder, CEO, CFA.
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