WARREN, Maine (WABI) – A Milwaukee-based non-profit is using sports for its mission to improve the well-being of all individuals impacted by the prison system.
The Peaceful Prisons Project is at MSP in Warren with an Olympian.
Gina Cilento is set to join the program’s Peaceful Playoffs on Tuesday.
“That’s top-tier stuff for us. I don’t believe I’ve ever met an Olympian, and it’s crazy to think it’s going to be the first opportunity I have for that,” said Rich Yvon, Maine State Prison recreation officer.
“She called and said she heard about our stories. We met with her. She bought in to us. The cool thing about working at non-profits is it’s all about personal connections,” said Abbe Marten, Peaceful Prisons Project founder, CEO.
Pickleball is a sport with plenty of benefits for players.
“Pickleball, especially in a prison setting, is tremendously fun. It takes all the armor off and all the stigmas of who’s who. Everybody comes out here on that little tiny court over there, they break bread, have fun whacking a ball, and play pickleball. It’s a great sport to have in prisons because it actually drops the stigmas of us not liking each other. It also drops the stigmas in the way that I’ve been able to play pickleball with staff in here. That (seems) totally uncommon, (like) that doesn’t happen in a prison environment, but staff enjoy it just as much as us. Plus, it’s an easy sport. Anyone can play it,” said Brad Chesnel, pickleball player.
The Peaceful Prisons Project works nationwide. More information is available on its web site, PeacefulPrisonsProject.org.
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