-----Original Message-----

From: Michelle Stoner

Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 7:02 AM

To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Subject: Project Play Kiota

Dear Mike,

I just wanted to attach a couple of photos to show what's being done with

the balls in Kiota.

First of all, a girl's soccer team made up of middle school students was

already in place before the balls came, but really got serious after the

arrival of the balls. The girl's team ended up having over 25 consistent

girls in it and met every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We just had

out first big match in honor of National Women's Day in which the

two middle schools competed. It's amazing how much these girls have

progressed since they first started playing. They are passing now, know

their positions, butting with their heads, and the game was amazing to

witness. Mamma of Kiota, a major religious/women's leader came to the event

as well as many other influential people, mothers, fathers, and friends!

I don't have the pictures with me now, but there are also several

out-of-school soccer teams that were born with the arrival of the soccer

balls. I love walking through my town and seeing a group of kids playing

soccer in every quarter. The balls are being put to good use as well!

We also decided to give each school two soccer balls, one for girls and one

for boys. I went to one of the primary schools the other day and saw that

the girls and boys were both playing soccer after school and the school yard

looked amazing! It's because in order to be able to use the balls and play,

the teachers had all the students clean up and sweep the school yard, a

pretty awesome incentive!

In one of the pictures, there is a group of boys posing with the ball.

At one of the colleges, the boys organized matches between every class.

Every day after school there is a match that draws a pretty large crowd of

supporters. It's amazing to see the students get so excited and riled up

supporting their fellow peers.

I have many more notes and photos that I'll pass on, but overall, it is clear

that the balls are improving the quality of life of the kids in my town.

They are being put to good use and have even revolutionized ideals and ways

of thinking-concerning girl's soccer for example. It was the first time EVER

there was a girl's soccer game in my town. That's pretty powerful.

Many blessings and thanks!

Michelle