And so it continues....

So this is a little delayed BUT....

....Happy New Year from all of us on the Sports4HOPE team. We hope that 2010 is off to anexcellent start!

We just wanted to update you on everything that transpired in 2009 as well as fill you in on what is on the horizon for us this coming year.

2009 was definitely a defining year for our organization. What started out as an idea in the head of the Reynard brothers has turned into a full-fledged non-profit organization (complete with 501(c)(3) approval!) with a clear mission and vision, a functioning board of directors, a great website, and a partner organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Needless to say, we are very pleased with what we were able to accomplish this past year, and we are very thankful for all the support and encouragement that you, our friends and family, have provided.

We expect 2010 to be no less pivotal and exciting as we aim to begin our pilot project over the course of the year. We have our work cut out for us, but we are already gearing up for the ride. Members of our team are participating in opportunities that are really helping us build our organizational capacity and will ensure that Sports4HOPE will be as strong and effective as possible. Team member activities include working in program services for a disabled sports organization, completing degrees in International Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as International Relations and Diplomacy, relocating to France for project and language training, and working as a coach for training and development with a professional soccer team! Our hope is to have a team member actually living on location in DRC sometime this year to begin the tangible work of Sports4HOPE. We’d love to report by the end of the year that kids in the villages of Kagaba, Vilo, and Bogoro are playing sports and laying the groundwork for peace!

Many, many thanks for your continued interest, guidance, questions, and support. We truly could not do it without you. Be sure to look out for more updates as we journey through the year. In the mean time, check out our website (www.sports4hope.org), shoot us an email, and keep us in your thoughts!

Best Regards,

The Sports4HOPE Team
Stephen Reynard
Paul Reynard
Cam MacMillan
Rachel Brophy
Scott Brelsford
Jessie Ensminger