Blog

By Jane Victoria King

Just hours before the torch was lit, Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play participated in the Sport, Peace and Development dialogue held at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (University of BC). Joining Koss to discuss how sport contributes to global peace and development, were Professor Stephen Toope, President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, Wilfried Lemke, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, Stephen Lewis, Chair, Stephen Lewis Foundation, Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO, Right To Play, Benjamin Nzobonankira, Right To Play Coach Trainer, as well as a panel of Right To Play Athlete Ambassadors.  

Hearing the compassion in the words of each speaker sparked greater realizations.  For one local Vancouver resident and Right To Play Volunteer, the impact of hearing Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play speak really hit home.  “Many children don’t have the opportunities for development like we do,” Paul said, adding, “When you find out what Right To Play does, it’s unbelievable what we take for granted.”

To hear how children are sold for prostitution or trained to be soldiers of war painted pictures of how children globally are affected in ways we can’t even fathom. For many, listening to what the power of sport and play in development for positive social change can do was an illuminating experience.

“You really had to hear it from him (Johann Koss) to get it. There is so much out there that we can’t see, that we don’t realize, unless you actually experience it,” said Natasha, a Right To Play Volunteer.

For a first-hand interactive experience of the work of Right To Play, visit the World of Play tent at Concord Place.  To learn more about Right To Play, visit www.righttoplay.com.