Team Project Play arrived in the Niamey, the capital city of Niger, on February 28, 2008.  From Niamey to Zinder and back, they traveled over 1500 miles, visiting more than 35 towns and rural communities. 

They met with hundreds of community leaders, school and health care officials and Peace Corp volunteers along the way.   Last and foremost; they interacted with thousands of children in Niger who were the ultimate inspiration for Project Play.  

Team Project Play - Niger 2008 
  

  Jim Meicke, Paige Dunn, James Mas, Mike Mitchell, David Stahl

Ibbo Abdoulaye met Mike Mitchell via the internet and became a huge advocate for Project Play in Africa.   Ibbo is a journalist born and raised in Niger.  He greeted the Project Play team at the Niamey International Airport and over the next fourteen days was photographer, translator and guide.  He is a true friend to Project Play.  Ibbo is planning to join the Team Project Play this year in Togo, West Africa.   

Read Ibbo Daddy's commentary

James Mas was one of the many Peace Corp volunteers that help make Project Play Phase I a success in Niger.  When Team Project Play met James they were taken by his incredible passion for the cause.  His overwhelming enthusiasm resulted in an invitation to join the entourage.  He traveled through Niger with Team Project Play.  James is from Houston, Texas and is still in Niger serviing as a Peace Corp volunteer.  James is doing great things with the Project Play balls in Niger. 

Read about James Project Play experience

Dave Stahl, co-founder of Project Play, is an avid traveler who has visited many third world countries; however this was his first trip to West Africa.  Click here to hear his comments on Project Play and his impressions of traveling in Niger.