FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS RIGHT TO PLAY?
Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children
facing adversity. It was founded in 2000 by Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social
entrepreneur. Through sports and games, we help children build essential life skills and better futures, while driving
social change in their communities with lasting impact.
WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO PLAY?
Right To Play promotes the involvement of all children and
youth. We believe that the power of play can transform a child’s
life. That’s why we are working in the most disadvantaged areas
engaging girls, persons with disabilities, children affected by
HIV/AIDS, street children, former child combatants and
refugees.
WHY IS PLAY SO IMPORTANT?
The UN recognizes play as the right of every child. Play is not a
luxury; it is a tool for education and health. It can bring entire
communities together and inspire every individual. A game of
football can teach children about tolerance and peace, a game
of tag can teach about malaria. Play helps teach important life
lessons and develop skills like co-operation, leadership and
teamwork. Play provides a retreat from everyday hardships and
brings joy and laughter, allowing kids to be kids.
WHERE ARE OUR PROGRAMS?
Right To Play is in more than 20 countries including Benin,
Burundi, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon,
Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories
(West Bank and Gaza), Peru, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania,
Thailand and Uganda, along with three pilot programs in
Canada, Norway and the United States.
WHO HAVE WE REACHED?
Each year, we reach close to 835,000 children in our regular weekly activities with the help of more than 12,000
volunteer Coaches. By the end of 2012 we have a goal of reaching one million children on a weekly basis.
WHEN WERE WE FOUNDED?
Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur, founded Right To Play in 2000. Right
To Play evolved out of Olympic Aid, a fundraising organization that raised millions of dollars to help disadvantaged
youth.
MAY 2012
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS “SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE”?
Sport for Development programs embody the best values of sport and combine other non-sport components to
enhance learning. These programs empower participants and communities and promote sustainability. Sport for
Development represents the notion that sport is now recognized as a key tool in the development and pursuit of
peace, most notably within the Millenium Development Goals.
WHAT IS AN ATHLETE
AMBASSADOR?
Our Athlete Ambassadors serve as role
models to inspire children through sport
and play. They help us raise awareness
and lend their voice to our cause. We
are supported by an international
network of professional and Olympic
athletes from more than 40 countries.
DO ATHLETES DELIVER THE
PROGRAMS?
No, Athlete Ambassadors do not deliver
Athlete Ambassador Stian Grimseth on a field trip to Tanzania
our programs. They visit our programs in order to inspire children and celebrate their successes and witness the
impact of Right To Play’s work first-hand. These visits enable the children we work with to interact with the athletes
as positive role models. Our Athlete Ambassadors also act as spokespeople to raise awareness for the cause.
HOW DO WE DELIVER OUR PROGRAMS?
Our programs are facilitated by 590 international staff and nearly 12,000 volunteer Coaches. Coaches are local
leaders and teachers who are trained in our specially designed programming. They implement the programs based
on the needs of their communities. We also encourage leadership at all ages by providing youth with leadership
opportunities. Junior Leaders, some as young as eight years old, become empowered through participating in Right
To Play programs.
HOW ARE COACHES SUPPORTED?
Right To Play promotes the spirit of volunteerism. As such, Coaches are not financially compensated. However, they
are compensated for expenses relating to projects, such as travel costs and phone cards.
IS RIGHT TO PLAY INVOLVED IN POLICY WORK?
Yes. We take an active role in research, policy and advocacy work to engage leaders in development, sport, business
and media, to ensure every child experiences the benefits of sport and play.
DOES RIGHT TO PLAY HAVE ANY POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS?
We are a non-partisan organization and we partner with organizations that support the rights and beliefs of all
MAY 2012
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
individuals. On occasion, we may work with local faith-based organizations to implement our programs but this does
not indicate support for, or association with, the organization’s religious affiliation. We do not work with political
organizations.
DO WE ACCEPT EQUIPMENT DONATIONS?
We accept equipment donations on a case by case basis, due to the cost of shipping equipment and the resources
required to distribute and manage such donations when they arrive. If you are interested in supporting us this way,
please contact Right To Play Headquarters.
HOW WILL MY CONTRIBUTION BE SPENT?
Donations made to Right To Play are applied to the area of greatest need in the organization and go to our sport and
play programs in disadvantaged areas around the world. This gives us the flexibility to channel our funds to countries
where our needs are greatest.
HOW MUCH OF MY MONEY GOES TOWARDS
RIGHT TO PLAY’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS?
An average of 85% of total worldwide expenses are spent
implementing Right To Play’s programs benefiting children
facing adversity. An average of 15% of total expenses goes
towards administrative and fundraising expenditures. Right
To Play’s audited financial statements are available to the
public in our Annual Report.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Visit our website at righttoplay.com
Like us on facebook
facebook.com/righttoplay
Follow us on twitter
@RightToPlayIntl
MAY 2012
Watch us on youtube
youtube.com/user/RightToPlay1