The duo were joined by Princess Sarah Al Feisal, President of Generations For Peace, who was delighted that they were present.

"These two gold medallists represent the very highest level in sport, and they are excellent role models for young people in Russia," she said.

"Having these top athletes here just proves what a strong bond there is between the Olympic Movement and the values of Olympism, and the ideals we at Generations For Peace are trying to promote around the world.

"Tolerance, friendship and respect are the principles we all share, they can help instil positive long-term change in conflict communities."

Twenty-one schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 11 took part in basketball games organised by delegates brought to Sochi, the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and who have collaborated with Generations For Peace to organise the camp.

The delegates have been drawn following a rigorous selection programme from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia and Georgia.

They applied the hours already put in during the camp, which began at the start of last week, and has seen them learn how to work with children and youngsters to develop and organise programmes in their communities.

Silnov, who won gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, said: "Sport shows that you can compete peacefully.

"It gives us a great chance to meet people from all around the world, to make friends and to act in a way that promotes understanding.

Chicherova, who won gold earlier this year at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Daegu added: "The founder of the Olympic Movement said that sport is a foundation for peace.

"I am glad that you can follow Pierre de Coubertin's vision and use sport to spread the ideals of peace."


Ngoni Partson Mukukula, one of the pioneer coaches involved in Generations For Peace who has been running basketball sessions with delegates this week, spoke of his pride at their organisation of the event.

"The delegates are really passionate about peace facilitation through sport and they love kids," he said.

"You can introduce peace building games, but the play and fun have to be integrated with peace building techniques.

"I think this group of delegates will become real change-makers in their communities."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2011: Exclusive - We wouldn't be where we are now without the IOC, says Generations For Peace chief
October 2011: Eighth Generations For Peace camp opens in Sochi
September 2011: Generations For Peace strengthens collaboration with Georgetown University
September 2011: Sochi to hold Generations For Peace camp under renewed partnership
September 2011: Generations for Peace launch new partnership with Oxford University