Rory O’Neil joined PeacePlayers International – Cyprus as a Fellow in 2008. After two years with the program – including a few months as acting Managing Director – he served his final official day with the program last Friday. Below, new PPI Fellow Adam Hirsch and the whole PPI – CY family say goodbye to Rory O’Neil.
It was only two months ago when two new PeacePlayers International Fellows, Gunnar and myself, stepped out of the Larnaca Airport for the first time. “Well we’re here… now what?” I said to Gunnar as we searched for our sunglasses. There we stood, just outside the terminal, our heavy suitcases at our feet, watching as cars whizzed by. Finally, in the distance, we spotted a man taller than everyone else, arms wagging at his sides, striding towards us. He was wearing blue shorts, aviator glasses, with red hair, and a PeacePlayers t-shirt. He grabbed my hand and shook it with force. “I’m Rory,” the man said, “Welcome to Cyprus.”
Over the next two months I had the privilege of working and living with Rory. I quickly learned just how strong his passion for basketball, Cyprus, and PeacePlayers was. Everyone I met regarded Rory not just as a coworker, but also as a close friend. PPI-CY Managing Director, Marina Vasilara, had a special connection with Rory. “Rory has left a recognizable mark at PPI-CY behind him. He has formed part of the story-telling of PPI-CY and we are all highly indebted for his hard work, friendship, unbeatable courage and hours invested in making this program come true. I was very sorry to see him leave but I am sure greater things await him ahead.”
Rory eating his "goodbye cake" with the Lapta/Lapitos girls team
Within PeacePlayers International, there was no questioning Rory’s important positive influence. “Rory’s impact on PeacePlayers International’s program in Cyprus is immeasurable,” says Tal Alter, PPI’s Director of Operations. “He has been the organizational glue during his two years, and he is both respected and liked by everyone involved with PPI-CY – participants, coaches, and stakeholders. He will surely be remembered on the island for years to come.”
Gunnar and I owe him something special too. While not everything went 100% smoothly during our first two months here, we truly believed that no one could have done a better job preparing us for our work in Cyprus. From teaching us how to run a good PeacePlayers practice, to showing us where to get the best gyro, Rory’s help was above and beyond. Saying goodbye to him was not easy, but I too knew I had made a life-long friend.
Now Rory is moving on to serve as a PeacePlayer International Fellow again, this time in Northern Ireland – they are truly lucky to have him. From everyone at PeacePlayers International – Cyprus: Goodbye Rory! You will be missed!
