An orphaned girl in a Ugandan refugee camp. A former child soldier in the Sudan. When survival is the priority, something as simple and normal as play seems to be a luxury that these children can do without. But Right to Play is changing that perception. Founded in 2000 by Norwegian Olympic medalist Johann Olav Koss, Right to Play begins at the grassroots community level, using sports and games to teach at-risk and underprivileged children around the world important values like self-esteem, empathy, and peace. Award winning author Gina McMurchy-Barber presents the history of this organization as well as the people who are involved in it - from the children, to their community leaders, to the celebrity athlete ambassadors who support them. Samples of Right to Play games are also included.
"Children who were enemies are becoming friends, and sport is helping the process of reconciliation and helping the wounded and traumatized mend. Quite clearly, sport and all those who assist in this process will help us overcome disease, ignorance and poverty."
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"The equipment you bring from Norway's children is the first time we have felt like human beings. You see us as more than just bodies to be kept alive or mouths to feed. It symbolizes there is a hope for a peaceful future and this is the first time my country's children will be able to play and to develop properly."
-President Isaias of Eritrea to Johann Koss
Right to Play's Athlete Ambassadors include:
Clara Hughes - Speedskating
Patrick Chan - Figure Skating
Catriona le May Doan - Speed Skating
Steve Young - Football
Gregg Zaun - Baseball
Alexander Ovechkin - Hockey
Wayne Gretzky - Hockey
Hayley Wickenheiser - Hockey
Joe Thornton - Hockey
