Power of Peace through Sports: A Remarkable Story of Resiliency and Hope

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - April 3, 2025 - PRLog -- In a world often divided by conflict, sports continue to serve as a universal language of unity and healing. This truth became strikingly evident when Lisa Ullven, Community Success Coach, received a midnight phone call from a warzone. On the other end was a young man representing one million displaced women and children who had fled to Uganda. He was determined to apply the principles in Ullven's book to establish peace through sports.

The River Phoenix Center for Peace Building played a crucial role in delivering the "Secrets to Sustainable Solutions" books to launch the South Sudan Solutions Team Book Club. The young man, a former social worker, shared his heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey. He and his two young sons were playing in their front yard when political disagreements spiraled into violence. What he described as "brothers killing brothers" became a terrifying reality.

Despite witnessing such brutality, his unwavering spirit prompted Ullven to ask, "How are you so good?" His response was profound: "We believe that we survived for the purpose of building peace for our children and all children and families."

The urgency of peace became even clearer when their food supply budget was cut. With limited options—knowing that men who attempted to gather berries had been fatally targeted—he still prioritized the peace initiative. When funders questioned, "How can you ask for soccer balls instead of food?" Ullven's conversations with him illuminated a crucial reality: Without peace, survival itself remains fragile. Achieving peace can be just as critical as securing food.

"This experience reshaped my perspective on resilience and the human spirit," said Ullven. "We can learn so much from those who have lost everything, especially as they devote their lives to building a better future for all of us."

This extraordinary story exemplifies how sports can transcend crisis and offer a beacon of hope even in the darkest circumstances. As efforts continue to expand the Peace Through Sports initiative, this movement stands as a testament to the unwavering determination of those who believe in a better tomorrow.

***Featured Article: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/purpose-before-prof...****

About Lisa Blackburn Ullven:

Lisa Blackburn Ullven is a renowned sustainability expert, author, and community success coach. With over two decades of experience in guiding organizations worldwide in integrating sustainable practices into their operations and culture, her stories are part of multiple international programs. "Secrets to Sustainable Solutions – Tips from Business, Science & Non-Profit Experts" is her latest endeavor to empower individuals and organizations to drive positive change for people and the planet.