IDC 2010 - Panel speaker bios

SAT, 4/10, 2:40 - 4:00 PM. Location: TBD

Sport is a powerful source for social and economic integration. The universal love of sport transcends barriers and borders and, when used by organizations as a vehicle of change, has the power to transform lives. With major sporting events set to take place in developing countries over the next few years (2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2016 Olympics in Brazil), more attention has been brought to the link between sport and development. Increasingly, sport is utilized to promote education, health and peace and to empower individuals and communities. This panel will explore the ways in which sport can be used as a tool for development around the world.

Biographies

Nichelle Gainey is the President of SilverStone International, a full-service consulting firm that provides tailormade business strategies and critical access for such global sports and business clientele as FIFA, ESPN, FOX Sports Affiliates, and NCAA. Nichelle founded SilverStone International in 2004 to explore her joint passion for sports management and international relations. During 15-years Nichelle has converted that passion into measurable achievements as a community liaison, corporate and governmental affairs advisor, sports events entrepreneur, and formidable fundraiser at the local, federal, and international levels.

Eric Dienes, born in Germany in 1977, currently serves as Liaison Officer in the New York Liaison Office of the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, where he is also the thematic focal point for the issue of sport and peace. Prior to this position, he was Assistant Programme Specialist for Goodwill Ambassadors and Arab Funding Sources in the Cabinet of the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris. Eric studied Political Science, Media and Communication at the Universities of Siegen (Germany) and Tours (France) and graduated from University of Siegen with an MA degree. During his studies he was editor for a media science journal and also worked as a journalist for a regional newspaper.

Jeff DeCelles is the Global Research and Development Manager for Grassroot Soccer (GRS). Jeff has worked with GRS since May 2003 and launch GRS programs in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Liberia, Sudan, Namibia, Mauritius, and Dominican Republic. In 2008, Jeff earned a Masters in Education (Ed.M) from Harvard Graduate School of Education as a Catherine Reynolds Fellow for social entrepreneurship. He also worked as the Education Specialist for Harvard University’s Centre for the Support of Peer Education (CSPE). Jeff is Co-founder of Ragball International, an income generation project for young soccer players in Africa. Jeff also founded the Batey Libertad Coalition, which uses soccer as a peace-building medium for Haitians and Dominicans living in the Dominican Republic.