About GGC
Global Game Changers (GGC) is a sports programming and event consultation firm that operates around the world. Based in the United States, GGC is comprised of experienced specialists able to provide solutions for sporting services, clinics, leagues, sports and life skills based curricula, and sport for development programs. Using sports to promote a healthy lifestyle, positive values, and wholesome competition, our mission is to establish and promote sports and recreational physical activities, as well as healthy lifestyle opportunities. Depending on your needs, GGC can provide
- Consultation and Program Management for Youth and Sport-Based Development Programs
- Youth and Adult sport clinics
- Existing Sport and Healthy Lifestyle Program Evaluation
- Curriculum Development
- Coach's Trainings
Throughout the course of our work, GGC stays committed to utilizing sport to develop people and communities around the globe, stimulating positive change via our sport expertise.
Established in 2010 by a group of close friends and colleagues united by the power of sport, we have administered programs from Washington DC to Abu Dhabi and throughout the United States. We have worked for government institutions, companies and non-profit organizations. No matter the sport, no matter the purpose, GGC will ensure that your goals are met through our renowned and professional programming experience.
Ultimately, sports play an important part in youth development and adult recreation. We believe that there is a profound need to foster the growth of sports programs throughout the world. Global Game Changers is here to optimize those sports programming needs wherever you are.
THE TEAM
Mike, Brian, David, Danny, Josh & Julie all met through PeacePlayers International - Middle East (PPI-ME), a nonprofit organization that uses basketball as a tool to unite children in conflict and post-conflict zones. All except Josh served as PPI-ME Program Directors in Israel and the West Bank. Josh worked in a similar organization that advocated national Arab-Jewish Coexistence policy reform in Israel.
David Lasday (Maryland ‘05, BA) served as the Assistant General Manager for the Maryland Nighthawks minor league basketball team prior to joining PPI-ME. David has consulted for sports development youth leagues and programs around the world. He currently runs the Netanya Hoops For Kids which utilizes the status and influence of professional athletes to teach children life skills and build community.
Danny Ourian (Wesleyan ‘02, Religious Studies BA) has worked in basketball since graduating college, taking on different roles with various basketball teams/organizations, including Men’s basketball Assistant Coach at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, sales and marketing with the Harlem Wizards, Head Coach of De La Salle Al-Quds men’s team, and Program Director with PPI-ME. Danny recently established a private basketball instruction practice while working in the Community Relations & Fan Development department with the New York Knicks.
Josh Simon (Hebrew University ‘06, Political Science MA; Alabama ‘04, Political Science & English Literature BA) completed his Masters then spent an additional three years in Israel, serving with the Israeli Defense Forces and as a spokesperson for various non-profit organizations. Josh has written articles relating to Arab-Jewish coexistence policy reform in Israel and a range of geopolitical issues that were published in major international news media outlets.
Michael Vaughan Cherubin (American University ‘07, International Peace & Conflict Resolution MA; SUNY New Paltz ‘04, International Relations BA) spent 4 years following his Masters with PPI-ME in Jerusalem, his last two years as Operations Manager. In Spring 2010, Michael began in his current position as program manager for United for D.C./D.C. United. His duties include managing all aspects of the United Soccer Club program, including but not limited to: partnership development and maintenance, hiring, training and management of a 35 person staff, program and curriculum development, program evaluation, and fundraising. United Soccer Club uses the game of soccer to teach life-skills and healthy lifestyles. In his capacity with GGC, Michael has been has been the lead trainer on projects with The State Department, AED, George Mason University, The U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Embassy of the UAE.
Julie Younes (Fletcher School of International Affairs at Tufts University ‘12, International Development MA; Dickinson College ‘06, International Studies and French BA) has over 5 years of experience working on educational, sports and community development projects across the globe. She served for 2 years as a PPI - ME Program Director in Jerusalem, where she focused on implementing sport for development programs for girls and young women. Prior to joining the organization, she held the position of Programs Officer at the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC. Julie has also worked on project monitoring and evaluation, most recently in Senegal with the the nonprofit organization Tostan.
Brian Sigafoos (Harvard ‘03, Psychology & French BA) played basketball professionally after college for a few years in Portugal, Denmark and the USBL. In 2006 Brian joined Michael in Jerusalem and led PPI-ME activities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank (Jericho & Tulkarm). In 2008 Brian joined DUPLAYS, a sports services start-up in Dubai, where he is a Partner and Director of Web. With DUPLAYS Brian organized several large-scale events including NBA Jam Fest Abu Dhabi 2010, UAE Nations Cup by Gillette, Snickers World’s Longest Football Match (42:05!), and NikeFive Tournament.
