Kids have the right to play

Right To Play is an aid organization, currently operating in 23 countries around the world, which mainly provides poverty-stricken children with sports equipment and certified coaches to inspire children and to teach them about health, disease prevention, teamwork and themselves.

The successes of this organization and its initiatives are many. Children in the program are said to be more responsive, more confident, more cooperative and happier after spending time doing the activities. Right To Play ambassadors have even been told by a government official, after a shipment of used sporting goods was delivered to the east African country of Eritrea, that this was the first time Eritreans felt like human beings because it was the first time they were able to engage in activities beyond the scope of just surviving.

In places like Rwanda, where there is often no running water and electricity, there are often no resources for play as life is primarily about survival. Right To Play gives children in such places a chance to think about something else. Athlete ambassadors travel around various countries for several weeks visiting schools, community centres and orphanages playing games and getting to know the children. Some of these ambassadors include Kristina Groves, Hayley Wickenheiser, Silken Laumann and Clara Hughes, as well as many other international athletes.

Groves’ presentation to C.W. students was inspiring and served as a springboard from which to launch C.W.’s 4th annual Right To Play high school soccer tournament on April 25. To date, this tournament has raised $5,000 for Right to Play.

For more information about Right To Play, its programs and ambassadors, and how you can help, visit www.righttoplay.com

-- By Melanie DeLain