ANNUAL REPORT2008

VISIONTo create a healthier and safer world through the power of sport and play.

MISSIONTo improve the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace.

VALUESRight To Plays values reflect the best practices of sport and play.

CO-OPERATION HOPE INTEGRITY LEADERSHIP DEDICATION RESPECT ENTHUSIASM NURTURE

COVER PHOTO: RAYMOND RUTTING

1Update on Governance 2008 .....................................2

Message from the President, Founder and CEO..............3

At A Glance................................................................4

What We Do...............................................................5

How We Impact............................................................6

Where We Work ...........................................................7

Strategic Area: Basic Education and Child Development .........8

Strategic Area: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.......10

Strategic Area: Conflict Resolution and Peace Education.........12

Strategic Area: Community Development................................14

Guiding Principle: Sustainability .........................................16

Guiding Principle: Inclusion ................................................18

Right To Play Policy: Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group......................................20

2008 Beijing Olympic Games ..............................................22

National Offices...................................................................24

Financial Statements..............................................................30

Our Supporters .....................................................................34

Global Partners ......................................................................39

Government and UN Agency Funding.......................................40

Right To Play Contacts ...............................................................41

CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM ROBERT MYERSChair, Right To Play International

As Chair of Right To Play Internationals Board of Directors,I am pleased to report that strong governance remained a priority for Right To Play throughout 2008. The Board isdedicated to its duty to ensure regular reviews of risk management, internal controls, strategic planning, andgovernance practices. Board and Committee evaluationsare carried out each year to drive continual improvement,in terms of both the Board and managements effectivenessin carrying out their duties.

The Board of Directors met six times in 2008 with an averageattendance of more than 80 per cent. Two of these meetingswere in-person: the June Board meeting and Annual meetingheld in Chavannes de Bogis, Switzerland, thanks to the generosityof Jean Pierre Cuoni; and the November meeting held atHeadquarters in Toronto. The Board committee meetings, including the Finance and Audit Committee, CorporateGovernance Committee, Development Committee and ProgramCommittee, were also well attended with each committee meeting at least five times during the year.

One of the highlights of the year was the addition of Dr. AdolfOgi to the International Board of Directors in January 2008. As the former Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser tothe UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace,Dr. Ogi is an excellent addition to our Board.

In addition to the International Board of Directors, each NationalOffice has its own Board which meets three to four times peryear. These Boards are focused on ensuring the fulfillment of theNational Office mandate of raising funds and awareness forRight To Play programs and advocating for Sport for Developmentat the national level. The National Boards are all very activeand dedicated. Id like to especially acknowledge the NationalBoard Chairs for their strong leadership: Carl Liederman, UnitedKingdom; Tormod Hermansen, Norway; Kate Duhamel, UnitedStates; Johan van der Werf, the Netherlands; Johann Olav Kosswith Vice-Chair Jean Pierre Cuoni, Switzerland.

In conclusion, Id like to thank my fellow International Boardmembers, the National Boards plus Johann Olav Koss and all ofthe Right To Play staff for their hard work and dedication in 2008.Id also be remiss to not applaud our wonderful donors for theircontinued commitment during a time of economic uncertainty.Your support resulted in a very successful year for Right To Playwith strong programming reaching more than 600,000 childrenin weekly regular sport and play activities. Thank you.

Sincerely,

INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008Robert J. Myers, (Chair), Right To Play International Board of Directors Johann Olav Koss, (Secretary), President and CEO, Right To Play InternationalJim Leech, (Treasurer), President and CEO, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan

Charmaine Crooks, Olympian, President/Founder of NGU ConsultantsJean Pierre Cuoni, Chairman of the Board of EFG InternationalKate Duhamel, Independent Filmmaker, Alley Oop FilmsSilken Laumann, Olympian, Inspirational Speaker; Writer; Child AdvocateCarl Liederman, Partner, Head of European Corporate, Arnold & Porter (UK) LLPMeridee A. Moore, Senior Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer,

Watershed Asset Management L.L.C. Dr. h.c. Adolf Ogi, Former Swiss Federal Councillor, Former Under-Secretary General

and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director, Bain CapitalWill Reynolds, Executive Partner, New Profit IncT. A. Ganda (Tommy) Sithole, Director, International Cooperation and Development,

International Olympic Committee (IOC) (until June 2008)Johan van der Werf, Adviser to AEGON Executive Board

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UPDATE ON GOVERNANCE 2008

A MESSAGE FROM JOHANN OLAV KOSSFounder, President and CEO

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A YEAR IN REVIEWThe past year was a time of growth and innovation for Right To Play, as we continued to see our programs mature across all regions and gathered evidence of their impact on the communities where we work. By the end of 2008, the numberof children Right To Play reached in regular weekly activitysoared to more than 600,000. This growth was facilitated byalmost 13,000 trained volunteers which include Coaches, teachers and community leaders.

In 2008, Right To Play further extended our reach through theintroduction of new programs in Burundi, Botswana and Peru. InUganda, we expanded our geographical footprint to include thenorth central region, effectively increasing our reach of childrenby approximately 40,000 through schools and community centres. In the Middle East, we piloted new approaches to programming that allowed us to target youth and affect changein an entirely new demographic. In alignment with our guidingprinciple, sustainability, we effectively completed the transition of our programs in Sri Lanka and Thailand to the Ministries ofEducation.

We made important strides in our mission to prioritize the partici-pation of girls and women in our programs, with girls making up almost 50 per cent of children participating in sport and playactivities, and female Coaches and Leaders numbering more than50 per cent.

Right To Play also increased its impact by implementing more programs within a school-based model, building on our history of working with school teachers to deliver programs. In 2008,we began this initiative in Benin and by the end of the year our curriculum was being piloted in15 Early Childhood EducationCentres across the country.

Increasing Our Global ProfileA significant highlight of 2008 was the international support andattention that Right To Play received during the Beijing OlympicGames in August. In particular, the Hearts of Gold Program,developed in partnership with our Global Corporate Partner,Johnson & Johnson, helped Right To Play engage many newOlympians in our movement and gain widespread internationalmedia attention for our mission.

The role of Right To Play as the Secretariat of the Sport forDevelopment and Peace International Working Group culminatedwith a successful fourth and final Executive Committee meeting inBeijing on August 7, 2008. Representatives from 38 governmentsattended this meeting where the final report, Harnessing thePower of Sport for Development and Peace: Recommendations to Governments, was launched and endorsed.

Expanding Our PartnershipsIn 2008, Right To Play gained two new Global Corporate Partnersin AEGON N.V. and EFG Bank. Both of these partnerships grewfrom existing collaborations on a national level. I am grateful forthe increased commitment from both of these companies.

Right To Play also received support from a wide network oforganizations and volunteers. I would like to thank all of our individual and government donors for providing important funding,as well as our local implementing partners for making the deliveryof our programs possible. Thanks also go to our volunteer Boardmembers, who play a critical role in helping our National Officesto succeed in raising awareness and funds for Right To Play.

Applying the Best Values of Sport The global economic crisis that engulfed the world toward theend of 2008 left very few untouched, and Right To Play was noexception. This environment required us to consider our futureplans all the more carefully. Our ability to be guided by the keycomponents set out in our long-term strategic plan, developed withMonitor Group, served us well during this time. We benefited fromthe seasoned counsel of our International Board of Directors whoplayed a vital role in working with us to navigate this period.

We remain optimistic and focused on our mission. We will rely on our abilityto work as a team, to cooperate, communicate and to respect ourselvesand each other in the year head. I amconfident that we will be able to meetthe challenges and come out stronger.

My sincere thanks to you all for your ongoing dedication andremember, when children play, the world wins.

JOHANN OLAV KOSSPresident and CEO

We remain optimistic and focused on our mission.We will rely on our ability to work as a team, to

co-operate, communicate and to respect ourselves and each other in the year ahead. I am confident

that we will be able to meet the challenges and come out stronger.

Right To Play is the leading international humanitarian anddevelopment organization using sport and play as tools toeffect behaviour and social change. Our trained Coaches andcommunity leaders implement our programs which aredesigned to develop basic life skills, prevent diseases, teachconflict resolution and instill hope in children affected by war,poverty and disease. In 2008, Right To Play implemented programs in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

A pioneer in its field, Right To Play sets standards for qualitysustainable programming, promotes best practices andadvances research on the efficacy of sport-based developmentefforts. It advises policymakers on integrating sport and playinto national and international development programs, and is the partner of choice for other international organizations seeking to build more safe, equitable and inclusive societies.

Right To Play fosters the hope and skills that are essential toenvisioning and realizing a better future.

From Sport to Social InnovationRight To Play has been an innovator for social change since its origins and has a track record for creating programs that are bothsustainable and replicable. Founded in 2000 by Johann OlavKoss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur,Right To Play motivates and equips local communities to engage in entrepreneurial and sustainable development practices.

International Team of Athlete AmbassadorsRight To Play is supported by an international team of worldclass professional and Olympic athletes from more than 40countries. As role models these athletes inspire children, raiseawareness and promote opportunities for funding for Right ToPlay projects. Athletes team up with Right To Play so they can pair their passion for sport with their desire to make ameaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children insome of the most disadvantaged parts of the world.

Global Leader in Sport for Development and PeaceRight To Play is committed to every childs right to play andtakes an active role to facilitate research and promote advocacyin this area. Our aim is to engage and positively influence keydecision-makers from the development, sport, business, mediaand government sectors to ensure every child benefits from thepositive power of sport and play.

As Secretariat to the Sport for Development and PeaceInternational Working Group (SDP IWG), Right To Play developedand launched policy recommendations for national governmentson how to incorporate sport as a tool for development andpeace into their national and international policies and programs.The recommendations were endorsed by 38 governments at the2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, and on December11th2008, the recommendations were formally recognized by theUnited Nations in a resolution passed by the General Assembly.

AT A GLANCE

Right To Play uses the lessons sport teaches us fair play, teamwork, respect, commitment to make children, and ultimately the societies

in which they live, more healthy, inclusive, and peaceful.

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Right To Play draws on the expertise of its team of health consultants,sports experts, educators and experienced trainers to developand pilot our sport and play resources. Our resources are comprised of games and activities which are supported bytraining manuals and workbooks. Each component of the programis designed to have an impact on the areas that have beenidentified by the community for learning and behaviour change.

1. Basic Education and Child Development:Right To Plays programs foster the physical, cognitive andsocial development of children to teach important values andlife skills.

2. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Right To Plays programs are used to educate and mobilizecommunities around national health and disease prevention priorities, including HIV and AIDS, malaria and immunization.

3. Conflict Resolution and Peace Education: Right To Plays programs are used as tools for teaching conflictresolution and peace building skills. Participation in regularactivities encourages and facilitates the healing of communitiesand the reintegration of children affected by war.

4. Community Development:Right To Play works in partnership with local organizations tobuild sustainable community infrastructure through the engage-ment of local staff and both local and international volunteers.

Our work follows two Guiding Principles:Inclusion -- Right To Plays sport and play activities are designedto include children regardless of race, gender, disability and religion. They are effective tools for reducing isolation, exclusion,fear, poor self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness. We believethat through well-designed games and sports, attitudes con-tributing toward a childs exclusion from meaningful participationin society will change.

Sustainability -- Right To Play works in partnership with community-based organizations to implement our programs. We work with professionals from the region, governments andschools to ensure compatibility with local cultures and educationalsystems. This ensures that Right To Plays programming can be sustained at a local level.

Happier, more educated childrenImproved health and healthier

lifestyle behavioursSafer, more peaceful communities

Empowered individuals and communities

WHAT WE DO

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Volu

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Staf

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Right To Play Program Delivery Model

PC

Supervisor (3)

Coach/Teacher Trainer

(30)

Coach/Teacher (300)

Children (7,500)

Right To Plays approach goes beyond individual capacity-building to include investments in partnerships local, nationaland international. By collaborating with and training dedicatedcommunity leaders such as teachers, early childhood educators,and staff from other local implementing NGOs or community-based organizations (CBOs), Right To Play helps to ensure the appropriate localization of programs. This contributes to the establishment of strong and lasting mentoring relationships,and the sustainability of our work.

Integrating Local Cultures and Promoting ResiliencyWhen designing programs, Right To Play first completes a thorough assessment to understand both the needs and assetsof the community. The next stage involves a gap analysis ofexisting programs and initiatives. Each program is then tailoredto both fit the needs and leverage the resources of the communityin consultation with expert educators, local partners, and communitymembers including parents and children.

Employing Behaviour Change Theory to Improve LivesThe ultimate goal of Right To Play programming is to fosterbehaviour change, a complex process involving more than simply building knowledge and awareness. Behaviour changeinvolves acquiring skills to adopt and maintain behaviours andattitudes such as self-esteem, resistance to peer pressure, abilityto problem-solve and a capacity for communication. Right ToPlays methodology ensures that both children and communitiesare able to put into practice the skills and attitudes adoptedthrough our programs.

A Strategy For Experiential Learning A key aspect of Right To Plays innovative methodology is theExperiential Learning Cycle, which is a teaching/learning strategy that guides learners through a three-step processing of their experience:

Reflect - The learner considers: What did I just experience?Young children are taught the vocabulary to share their ideasand feelings and to respect the ideas and feelings of their peers.

Connect - The learner considers: How does this experiencerelate to earlier ones? How does it connect to what I alreadyknow, believe or feel? Does it reinforce or expand my view?

Apply - The learner considers: How can I use what I have learnedfrom this experience? How can I use it in similar situations? Howcan I use this learning to benefit myself, my community?

A Delivery Model that Builds Local Capacity andSustainability To ensure quality implementation of our programs, Right To Play has developed a delivery model that is focused on localcapacity building and is easily adapted whether we are workingdirectly with communities, through schools or through partnerorganizations. Right To Plays delivery model functions as a triangular model that involves each level acting as mentors andteachers to the level below. For example, the model shows Project Co-ordinators (PCs) at the top, who are responsible forthe skills and leadership training of the Supervisors at the nextlevel. The training includes ensuring that Supervisors understandthe games and their learning outcomes.

Monitoring and Evaluating For Best ResultsRight To Play systematically gathers and analyses informationfrom all project locations to monitor project outputs and outcomes for the purpose of improving our programs and their delivery.

HOW WE IMPACTThrough repetitive sportand play activities, children and youth find a supportive environmentand have opportunities to practise skills, gainknowledge, and adoptattitudes that can contribute to behaviourchange.

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Headquarters:Based in Toronto, Canada, Headquarters houses Right To PlaysCEO and Executive Team who have responsibility to theInternational Board of Directors. Other department functions atHeadquarters include: International Programs, Monitoring andEvaluation, Research, Educational Properties and Alliances, Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Global Business Development and Communications, Finance, and Human Resources.

National Offices:Right To Play has six National Offices. They are located inCanada, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the UnitedKingdom and the United States. The role of a National Office isto raise funds, build awareness for Right To Play programs andadvocate for Sport for Development with national governments.National Offices build and maintain relationships with partnersas well as Athlete Ambassadors.

Regional Offices:Right To Play has Regional Offices in Accra, Ghana; Kampala,Uganda; Bangkok, Thailand; and Beirut, Lebanon. RegionalOffices are responsible for strategic partner relationships within the region, implementing expansion, the co-ordination ofprogramming and training between Headquarters and CountryOffices, and the provision of operations, finance, and humanresources oversight for Country Offices.

Country Offices:Country Offices are responsible for the co-ordination of dailyRight To Play project operations, the delivery of quality programs,and their monitoring, assessment and evaluation. CountryOffices build relationships with local partners and governmentministries; assess in-country expansion opportunities; and advocateand build awareness.

WHERE WE WORKIn 2008, Right To Playhad programs in the following countries:

Azerbaijan Benin Botswana Burundi Chad China Ethiopia Ghana Indonesia Jordan Lebanon Liberia Mali Mozambique occupied Palestinian territory Pakistan Peru Rwanda Sierra Leone Sri Lanka Sudan Tanzania Thailand Uganda United Arab Emirates Zambia

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HEADQUARTERS

NATIONAL OFFICES

REGIONAL OFFICES

PROJECT LOCATIONS

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON TRUST HELPS GIRLS THRIVE

T eachers and Coaches who work with Right To Play receiveextensive training to ensure that they are familiar with RightTo Play's program resources and the unique methodologyused to deliver them. In co-operation with the Ministry of Educationand Higher Education, Right To Play's team in the occupiedPalestinian territory held six training workshops in 2008 thatwere funded by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF).

Ive always understood that Right To Plays programs ensurethat all children have access to sport and play, says Ms.Mariam Hathnawi, an official with the Palestinian NationalAuthority, Ministry of Education and Higher Education. However,the workshops I attended specifically focused on providingopportunities to girls, who are often marginalized and prohibitedfrom participating in physical activity. The political climate ofrefugee camps and the number of isolated rural areas meansthere are very few places considered safe for girls to play freely,which places limitations on their already-restricted environment.But I am finding that because families seem to have developedtrust for teachers trained by Right To Play, it is easier for girls to participate in practices and activities after school.

STRATEGIC AREA: BASIC EDUCATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

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THE IMPACT OF RIGHT TO PLAY PROGRAMS ON CHILDRENSphysical, social and emotional education begins with theteachers and Coaches who work with them. Our trainingstaff empowers teachers to target their efforts at key issueslike the inclusion of girls, promoting leadership skills andimproving self-esteem among female students.

l TOP: A teacher leads girls in activity

l BOTTOM: A group of girls from the occupiedPalestinian territory gather for a group photo

In each country where Right To Play operates,our work focuses on four strategic areas andtwo guiding principles. The stories that followillustrate a selection of our successes in eachof these six areas.

9Through their regular participation inactivities, children learn critical life skillssuch as respect, teamwork, co-operationand communication. The activities con-tribute to childrens physical, cognitiveand social development by giving themthe opportunity to explore and developtheir abilities and by bringing out theirnatural talents and creativity. The programshelp children work effectively both aloneand in team environments, structuring thegames around the values of co-operation,leadership and loyalty.

As a teacher from the Aisha Primary Girls School in Hebron, I have seen a dramatic change in one of my students who par-ticipated in Right To Play activities. She has better concentrationand increased participation in class, and stronger self-esteemand relationships with her classmates, said Ms. Jameela Till.

Ms. Suhad Al-Far, the principal of the Saffa Primary GirlsSchool in Ramallah, said, The girls improved on both an educational and social level, and their relationships with theirteachers improved overall, making both teachers and studentshappier. The workshops instilled a new sense of confidence inthe teachers and reenergized them, making them enthusiasticabout teaching again.

Indeed, the teachers who participated in the training have benefited as much as the students. Ms. Duha Hafiz, a teacherfrom the Kabalan Primary Girls School in Nablus stated, Inimplementing one of the Youth As Leader sessions, I becamemore observant of the students skills and talents, and worked to help them impart their strengths to one another. This type ofteaching method was all new to me.

One of Right To Plays games that teaches basic education skills:

SPIDERS WEB KEY LEARNING: To apply lessons in co-operation.

HOW TO PLAY:1. Create a spiders web using string tied between two trees, with at least 15 holes in the web.2. Everyone must get from one side of the web to the other without touching the web. Each

hole can only be used once. Tie a string or pin on the hole to show that it is closed.3. Make sure everyone is comfortable with lifting each other through the holes.

DISCUSSION:

Reflect How did you work together as a team? Did a leader emerge in your group? How was the leader chosen? What worked well? What didnt work well? Who didnt speak? Whose voice wasnt heard?

Connect When in your life have you had to communicate effectively in a group to achieve a goal?

Apply Review different styles of leadership with the group. Ask: What kind of leadership emerged

in your group?

l Ms. Mariam Hathnawi

Through this network of certifiedtrained teachers more than 2,000

female students in more than 30 schools across the West Bank are

developing a sense of pride, confidence and belonging.

ADOPTING HEALTHY BEHAVIOURS COMES FROM ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE

STRATEGIC AREA: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION

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WHEN RIGHT TO PLAY PROGRAMMING WAS FIRST LAUNCHEDin Ghanas Budumburam refugee camp in late 2006, only 20 girls participated in Right To Plays Live Safe Play Safeprogram that used sport and play activities to educatecamp youth on sensitive issues around HIV and AIDs prevention. Since then, the number of participants hassteadily climbed and more than 60 girls are now takingpart in regular sport and play activity.

P rior to the implementation of Right To Play programs, riskybehaviour and unhealthy practices such as unprotected sexwere rampant among the young people in the community.To work toward changing these behaviours, Right To Play-trainedCoach Johnson Pewou used Right To Plays sport and play activities to teach young people in the refugee camp importantlessons about reproductive health and HIV prevention.

Coach Johnson Pewou tells the success story of a16-year-oldgirl named Mamin that illustrates the impact that Right To Playprograms have had on behavioral change in young girls.

Mamin, who lives in the Budumburam camp in Ghana, wouldhang around an open air club with her friends, where sex iscommonly exchanged for money. Encouraged by other friendswho regularly took part in Right To Plays HIV and AIDS preventionand awareness activities, Mamin started participating in theactivities as well as the interactive discussions that followedeach game session. Right To Play applies a teaching/learningstrategy called Reflect-Connect-Apply that guides learnersthrough a three-step processing of their experience.

One day, after a session, Mamin decided to turn a new leafand told Coach Johnson Pewou: You will never see me at the club again, because I dont want to get infected with HIV and AIDS.

l ABOVE: Regular participation in Right To Play's programs helps to educate youth on HIV and AIDS

l ABOVE: Sport and play activitiesteach children and youth how to reduce the spread of infectious diseases

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Coach Johnson Pewou marvelled atMamins change in attitude and havingmonitored her for a while, testified thatMamin indeed never returned to the cluband stopped spending time with former friends that went to the club. Now, she spends her time helpingher mother sell corn for a living. With her change in behaviour,Mamin became a role model for her friends who found themselvesin a similar situation. I now encourage my other friends to join Right To Play so they can live safe and play safe, sharedMamin.

According to Coach Johnson Pewou, similar behavioralchanges have been observed among the girls who participatein Right To Plays program activities. Twelve to 15-year-old girlswho would exchange sex for money or gifts have developedself-respect, self-confidence and determination from regularinvolvement in Right To Play activities. The girls, Coach JohnsonPewou explained, now look after themselves.

Every weekend, a large number of people converge at ourlocal park in the community to watch our girls play; they cheerthem on as they play. These girls no longer offer sex for moneyor gifts. Through the program, they have come to know thatgirls and women are more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Thishas built the girls sense of confidence and they feel proud ofthemselves and what they now do. Community members nowsee them as future stars, leaders and mothers.

One of Right To Plays games that educates on disease prevention:

CROSSING BRIDGES KEY LEARNING: To understand that adopting a new behaviour and preventing diseaserequires support and practice.

HOW TO PLAY:1. Spread a blue cloth on the ground. Place a long stick across the water. Scatter short sticks

and stones around the long stick.2. Players write their goals for the future on pieces of paper, fold them, and place in a bucket

at the end of the bridge.3. Explain that the cloth represents a river and the sticks and stones are dangerous creatures in the

water. Players must cross the river, putting one foot in front of the other across the long stick.4. Because it is a dangerous river, players must encourage each other while crossing. When a

player crosses successfully to the bucket of goals, others celebrate by cheering. 5. Reassure players who fall off that there will be another bridge to help them get across safely.

Place another stick on the ground beside the first one and tell players they can also use the second bridge.

DISCUSSION:

Reflect How did you feel when you crossed successfully and reached the goal? How did you feel if you fell off?

Connect What does the water represent? (A: risk of infection, including HIV) What does the first bridge represent? (A: no-risk behaviour, such as abstinence or being

mutually faithful) What does the second bridge represent? (A: using a condom) How can you protect yourself if you cant or dont want to use the first bridge? (A: using

condoms consistently and correctly; remind players that not everyone wants to or is able to be abstinent or use condoms all the time)

What helped you cross safely? (A: encouragement and support from others, focusing on your goal)

Apply Why is having choices so important? What information can you tell others so that they know there are ways to cross safely

to the future and reach their goals?

l RIGHT: Games help to buildskills and attitudes that contributeto sustained behaviour change

With her change in behaviour, Mamin became

a role model for her friendswho found themselves

in a similar situation.

CHILD UNITES FAMILY USING RIGHT TO PLAY GAMES

After participating in games that focused on relationshipsand social development at the Ouedo C Primary Schoolin Calavi Commune, Flavien decided to confide in histeacher and Right To Play-trained Coach, Todjohon Matthias,about his family's conflict. When my grandfather died, it wasdifficult for my family to share the inheritance. This is the situationwe are currently living in. My family held a meeting to share theproperty left by my grandfather but they could not come to anagreement. There was some confusion and my family has sincebeen divided. The children are forbidden to play togetherbecause parents on each side are afraid that the other side willharm them through the children, even though we share the samecompound house. My uncles came to my father for reconciliationbut he remained adamant.

Coach Matthias advised Flavien to invite one of his cousins tohis house to eat. If his father refused to allow the cousin intotheir house to eat, then Flavien was to also refuse to eat, as away of drawing his parents attention to him and to start a discussion around the issue. When he got home that day, theboy did as suggested. His father protested vehemently becausemembers from each side of the conflict suspected that the otherwould hurt them through their children. Although he was nothappy that Flavien had invited his cousin over, he did notprotest when Flaviens mother, after a moment of hesitation,served him and his cousin a double portion of food so theycould eat together.

STRATEGIC AREA: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEACE EDUCATION

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FLAVIEN IS A 10-YEAR-OLD BOY WHOSE FAMILY HAD BEENdivided by a conflict over the inheritance of a plot ofland, following the death of his grandfather in 2005.Such conflicts are common in Benin and if not resolvedquickly, can lead to deadly violence. As a consequenceof the ongoing conflict Flavien, who once enjoyed thecompany of his cousins with whom he had shared ahouse since birth, was no longer allowed to speak or play with them.

l LEFT: Coach Matthias is a role model for children in Calavi Commune in Benin

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On subsequent days, children from both sides of the dividedfamily met to play under the tree in the courtyard. Whenevertheir parents watched the children having fun, their hurt feelingswere soothed. They started longing for peace but both partieswere too proud to make the first move. Apart from allowingtheir children to play together, parents also accepted childrenfrom either side of the family into their homes and the childrenstarted visiting one another as they did before the conflict.Through their childrens relationship, the parents startedexchanging timid greetings which gradually turned into warmpeace greetings. Finally, they came to the point of reconciliation.

Flaviens family has regained the harmony they lived in at thetime their grandfather was still alive. They now relate to oneanother as if nothing happened.

As teachers we have the mission to give children the appropriate knowledge for theirfull development. But this cannot be achievedwithout a happy environment, without rolemodels who lead them to return to the pathlost by lack of humility. And we do not succeed without the sport and play activitiesthat give children the chance to relax whilelearning. Right To Play games are an idealand clever channel to reach that point, said Coach Matthias.

One of the Right To Play games that teaches peaceful conflict resolution:

VOLLEY TENNIS KEY LEARNING: To develop co-operation, communication and team skills.

HOW TO PLAY:1. Hang a net across the middle of your play area. Divide children into two teams.2. Team A serves the ball over the net to Team B. Team B must keep the ball in the air and

return it over the net. Players can use any part of their body to hit the ball.3. Team A gets a point if the ball bounces twice before Team B serves it back over the net, or

if the ball is touched more than three times before passing back over.4. Players should be mindful of their teammates when attempting to hit the ball. Encourage

children to be creative in finding different ways to keep the ball playing.

DISCUSSION:

Reflect How did your team work together? Why is communication between players so important in this game?

Connect Have you ever been upset with someone because of a lack of communication?

What could you have done to avoid this miscommunication? Can you think of a time when someone didnt communicate with you clearly? What

happened?

Apply What can you do to decrease the number of miscommunications you have with others?

l ABOVE: Through their participation in games, youthdevelop the skills necessary to resolve conflict peacefully

IN ANY COMMUNITY, IT OFTEN JUST TAKES JUST ONE PERSONto get the ball rolling in the direction of positive social change.In the northern Guba region ofAzerbaijan, a Right To Play volunteer named Aslan Hasanovhas grown from simply donatinghis free time to help out at aschool, to becoming a strong rolemodel for children, a leader inhis community and a catalyst forbehaviour change.

TRAINING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TO BECOME LEADERS

While Right To Play programs are beneficial to all the students who have the opportunity to participate inthem, the sport and play activities go an especiallylong way toward improving the lives of children who live year-round at boarding schools. Aslan, a local Physical Educationteacher, volunteers regularly with the children at ZardabiBoarding School in Guba. He teamed up with Right To Play tobe trained in Red Ball Child Play, which promotes holistic childdevelopment through sport and play activities. Having helpedrun the program throughout the school year with the support ofRight To Play Project Co-ordinators, Aslan stepped up to leadregular activities during the summer months for the children who remained at the school.

Aslans dedication and leadership have made him a positiverole model for the children, which is particularly important forthose who are raised outside of the traditional family setting. I volunteer, particularly during the summer, because I dontwant the children to feel isolated or bored, he said. I hopethat these activities make their lives more interesting and enjoyable.

STRATEGIC AREA: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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l ABOVE: Aslan (in blue) interacts with the youthfrom the Zardabi Boarding School in Guba

l ABOVE LEFT: Youth in Azerbaijan participate in activity l ABOVE RIGHT: Regular participation in Right To Play's activities contribute to the adoption of a healthier lifestyle

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In fact, Aslans impact on the children goes far beyond keepingthem entertained. The Right To Play activities used by Aslan andother volunteers provide children with critical physical, socialand emotional development to which they may not otherwisehave access. Poverty, dissolution of the family unit and disabilityare believed to be the most common reasons why an estimated20,000 children in Azerbaijan attend schools like Zardabi.Most children in our school have one or both parents, but theyare either unemployed or just do not have the money to feedthem, said Abid Yusifov, the schools director.

The childrens circumstances make Aslans work with them all themore meaningful. The Play Days he led for the children in thesummer of 2008 were widely successful. These were two day-long series of activities aimed to mobilize and strengthen thecommunity around critical issues such as inclusion, childrensrights, and HIV and AIDS. The success of the Play Days was high-lighted by Aslans ability to include children living with disabilitiesand to bring together children who live at Zardabi School tointeract with children from the community, providing them with asense of belonging and integration into the community.

The most wonderful thing for me was seeing the relationshipthat has developed between Aslan and the children, said Right To Play Project Co-ordinator Sabir Mammadov. Theyhave become quite close and they really look up to him.

The students participating in Aslans programs will be able topass these skills on to other community volunteers, as well asgaining valuable job skills that will create the foundation forcommunity development. Elmira, the oldest girl at Zardabi at17 years old, is already following in Aslans footsteps. At thefirst Play Day in July, she led games for some of the youngerchildren at the school. This kind of leadership development isjust one of the positive changes Aslan has noticed among thechildren since he began using Right To Play games with them.I have noticed that the behaviour of the children has improved,he said. They have a better understanding of others, are moreempathetic, and have improved self-expression.

Aslan plans to continue volunteering his time to work with thechildren of Zardabi Boarding School and hopes to continue tocreate a positive impact on their lives. Through the Play Daysand other events that he has helped co-ordinate, Aslan hasgreatly aided Right To Play in facilitating collaboration betweencommunity-based organizations, NGOs and other agencies, sothat these groups can better reach shared development goals.

One of Right To Plays games illustrating community development:

HOPES AND DREAMS KEY LEARNING: To develop the capacity to lead others.

HOW TO PLAY:1. Divide players into groups of eight -10. Each group forms a circle.2. Talk about your hopes and dreams. Ask players to think of one thing they hope for in their

future. Have them write or draw their hopes in the air with their finger.3. A volunteer from each group tosses a ball high into the centre of the circle. Another member

will try to hit the ball to someone else around the circle. Before hitting the ball, players must call out their own name. As the ball is hit around the circle, the group will count out loud thenumber of hits. If the ball goes outside the circle, players can keep it in play if the group keepsit in the air and hits it back into the circle. If the ball hits the ground, the counting begins again.

4. The ball represents players hopes. Players must keep the ball their hopes in the air, and must work together to keep it in the air.

DISCUSSION:

Reflect How did it feel to help your team keep the ball in the air? How did you feel when the ball touched the ground?

Connect Can you remember being encouraged by others while completing a task? What is the difference between a wish and a hope? Explain that when we wish for

something, we are thinking about the future, but we are not yet taking action. Hope is morethan imagining a different future. A hopeful person takes action toward making the wish or dream come true.

Apply What is something you hope for? What can you do this week, month or year to make

your hopes come true?

LOCAL COACHES BECOME GUARDIANS OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

I n the past, student attendance was low in the pastoralist community, as parents did notencourage their children to attend school, preferring them to tend to the familys livestockand help with other domestic activities instead.Children would often use the time spent grazingcattle as a chance to play traditional games andsports out of their parents sight.

But since the introduction of Right To Play programs,attendance has increased both in class and atafter school activities. As well as Right To Playsown sport-based games, teachers and Leadershave incorporated some local games into the curriculum, allowing the community to engagemore easily with the program. The traditionalgames that were played while tending cattle,

resulted in children missing school sessions. They are now available at their schools in a more secure and educationalstyle, Mrs. Fortunata said. My work, as far as mobilizing thecommunity to send their children to school, is made simple.

Mrs. Fortunata and other school officials efforts to engage children are being replicated and expanded throughout theentire community. Issenye and other nearby wards have formedyouth sports committees, girls education awareness committeesand teachers sports committees.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE: SUSTAINABILITY

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AS THE EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR FOR ISSENYE WARDin Grumeti, Tanzania, Mrs. Fortunata Munyeris job hasjust become much easier. With the help of Right To Playprogramming and activities, which are integrated into several local schools and community organizations,Mrs. Fortunata has no trouble convincing children to come to class.

l ABOVE: Mr. George Makacha fromNyichoka, coaches children and youth atNyichoka Primary school

Right To Play

works in partnership with

community-based organi-

zations to implement our

programs. We work with

professionals from the

region, governments

and schools to ensure

compatibility with local

cultures and educational

systems. This ensures that

Right To Plays programming

can be sustained at a

local level.

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This is a key component to Right To Plays commitment to sustain-ability; working closely with community-based organizations andschools to train volunteer Leaders, Coaches and teachers inRight To Play programming. In collaboration with Right To Play,these partners become responsible for the ongoing stewardshipof our projects, and ensure the continued and deepened impactof our programs within their community at a local level.

Right To Play-trained Coaches now recruit, train and mentoryouth as Junior Coaches to lead sport activities for children inschools. Two existing associations of Coaches have formed aninformal support group that work together to ensure continuity ofprograms. Other Coaches have registered with local governmentdepartments of community development, under the patronage ofthe District Co-operative Officer, to organize games with childrenand youth in the villages. Coaches use Right To Play games toprovide the children with education on healthy living, life skillssuch as communication and empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The community-based Coach associations are providing preventivehealth education and treatment support, as outlined in Right To Plays Live Safe Play Safe program, and funding for sports equipment to support Right To Play sport-based activities.

The lasting impact can already be seen among students participatingin Right To Play activities. Mrs. Fortunata said children wont leavetheir parents alone until they have enrolled them in schools offeringsport and play activities. This has remarkably improved the rate ofschool enrolment and attendance in Issenye ward.

Jessica Chacha Marwa, a pupil at Mapinduzi Primary School,said that the health-based games she plays at school have affectedhygiene and sanitation practices in childrens homes, as well ascontributing to increased attendance. Jessica now coaches heryounger sisters to wash their hands after visiting the latrines,helping to reduce the spread of disease.

Mrs. Fortunata sees many children taking on leadership roles in this way, which will only help to engage more children andyouth in the programs and ensure that the lessons continue to be taught within the community. The children that are attendingschool are sharing information with other children about Right To Play games and this has made our work easier, she said.With the impact of Right To Play programming extendingthroughout the village institutions, Issenye children will continueto benefit from Sport for Development within their families and on a community level.

l ABOVE: Children participate in an traditional game that is now available at school

l ABOVE: Children at theNyichoka Primary School inTanzania play a traditional game called Bosi Dama

Coaches use Right To Playgames to educate children

on healthy living, life skills such as communication and

empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.

GAINING CONFIDENCE THROUGH PARTICIPATION

Yonas attended school as a young boy, but discontinued hiseducation in Grade 10 because he could no longer toleratethe discrimination and stigma. He felt completely alone anddid not have much social contact, he said in an interview. All heknew was his way to and from home and school. He was veryshy and inactive both at home and in school, and spent much of his time thinking about his disability and the things that hecould not do. Worried about societys stigma and discriminations,he chose to shy away from all activities that involved other people.

In school, he did not participate in sport activities. I was alwaysworried and frightened when physical and sport education classcame up, said Yonas. The Health and Physical educationteachers used to tell him that they would give him a passingmark and advise him to sit down and watch. Yonas said, Theteachers did so to be kind but it was painful for me... I wasvery much discouraged and alienated.

One ordinary day in May 2005, an opportunity came thatchanged his life. Yonas was recruited to be trained as a RightTo Play volunteer Coach. Right To Play trains local teachers andCoaches to work with children and youth to develop life skills,including the value of inclusion of girls, ethnic minorities, andpeople with disabilities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE: INCLUSION

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YONAS TADESSE IS AN ETHIOPIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTliving with a disability. He is also a trained Coach forinternational humanitarian organization Right To Play.Yonas was born and grew up in a disadvantaged community called Kirkos, a sub-city of Addis Ababa. He has faced many of lifes challenges since he was a child. He lost his family at an early age and did not get the opportunity to be raised by his biological parents. He also became affected with polio and today lives withphysical disability.

l LEFT: Yonas leads the children in an activity

Today I have developed self confidence to offer something to the community and do not expect anything [in return], unlike the

traditional expectations and assumptions.

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Right To Plays

sport and play activities

are designed to include

children regardless of race,

gender, disability and

religion. They are effective

tools for reducing isolation,

exclusion, fear, poor self-

esteem and feelings of

powerlessness. We believe

that through well-designed

games and sports, attitudes

contributing toward a childs

exclusion from meaningful

participation in society

will change.

At first I could not believe that this chance was granted to me as I was looking down at myself, and I thought it will not be possible. However, he convinced himself to take the training. By the end of the training, Yonas had developed self-confidence, enthusiasm and motivation. He said, Whynot... I can do it.

He now calls it, one of the best decisions I ever made in myentire life. He made a promise to himself not to look back athis past, and decided to volunteer and work for his community.Soon after the end of the training, Yonas posted an announce-ment on the school notice board in his neighborhood requestingchildren and youth to join a team he was forming.

At first, he was not welcomed. But he was determined not to bediscouraged and to continue to fight the stigma that preventedhis acceptance. Emboldened with the support he received fromthe Right To Play team, he started running a sport and play program for children and youth in his community.

After a while, Yonas became a popular Coach in his communityand was appreciated by his family and neighbours because ofthe new skills and self-confidence he had developed through his Coach training. Leaders and elders within the communityacknowledged the change that Yonas had made in himself andthey started contacting him to coach their children.

Parents started visiting his sessions on the field and observingthe work he did with their children. This recognition allowedYonas to earn respect from district and community leaders.Yonas became known for being a role model for children andyouth living with and without disabilities.

All doors that had once been closed, started to open, saidYonas. He started getting invitations to speak on issues like stigma and exclusion. He says that Right To Play training andexperience brought light to his life which continues to shine for so many children in his community.

Yonas, now 22 years old, has emerged as an influential personality in his community. He said, I have learned to bemore organized and relaxed. I will not worry, thinking of things I cant do rather, I focus [on] what I can do. Headded that continuous training in life skills, the Right To Playresources and the chance to demonstrate his abilities have helpedhim to reach the place where he is now. His challenges havemade him stronger and given him the courage to face them.

Yonas transformed himself from a child hiding in his house toan active social and community leader and a role model for the children and youth who work with him.

Yonas runs sport and play programs three times a week formore than 70 children and leads training sessions for Coaches.In 2008, Right To Play Ethiopia assessed the performance ofCoaches and their attitude, and promoted Yonas to a more senior position.

l RIGHT: Yonas overseesa warm up activity

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The Sport forDevelopment andPeace InternationalWorking Group(SDP IWG) is ahigh-level policy initiative engagingnational governments,UN agencies, sportfederations, andcivil society groupsin the promotion of international dialogueand commitment to Sport forDevelopment andPeace. Right To Playacted as Secretariatto the workinggroup during itsfour-year mandate,which culminated atthe Beijing SummerOlympic Games.

On August 7, 2008, the Sport for Development andPeace International Working Group launched recommendations to national governments on how to use sport to drive development goals forward. The recommendations, presented in the groundbreaking reportHarnessing the Power of Sport for Development and Peace:Recommendations to Governments, are the first of their kind.

Thirty-eight governments from around the world joined theSDP IWG in Beijing for a whirlwind day of events, includingan SDP IWG Executive Committee meeting, an internationalpress conference, and a lively reception at the British ColumbiaCanada Pavilion to formally launch the report. Participatinggovernments demonstrated their solidarity and support for furtheruptake of the SDP IWG initiative by endorsing the BeijingDeclaration on Sport for Development and Peace calling for a renewed SDP IWG mandate and the formal integration of theworking group into the UN system.

SDP IWG Accomplishments Garner the Attention ofthe United NationsOn December 11, 2008, a UN General Assembly resolution formally recognized the SDP IWGs accomplishments byacknowledging the working groups recommendations andencouraging Member States to implement them. The resolutionalso answered the call for a new mandate by legitimately incorporating the SDP IWG into the UN system under the leadership of the Special Adviser on Sport for Development andPeace. These remarkable outcomes have created unprecedentedpotential for further uptake of Sport for Development and Peace internationally.

SDP IWGS POLICY WORK ACHIEVESOLYMPIC-GRADE SUCCESS IN BEIJING

RIGHT TO PLAY POLICY

1. Australia2. Austria3. Benin4. Brazil5. Burundi6. Canada7. China8. Colombia9. Ireland10. Israel11. Jordan12. Kenya13. Liberia14. Malawi15. Mali16. Mexico17. Mozambique18. Namibia19. Netherlands20. Niger

21. Nigeria22. Norway23. occupied

Palestinian territory24. Pakistan25. Papua New Guinea26. Peru27. Rwanda28. Samoa29. Sierra Leone30. South Africa31. Sudan32. Switzerland33. Tanzania34. Uganda35. United Kingdom36. United States37. Zambia38. Zimbabwe

THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENTS JOINED THE SDP IWG IN BEIJING:

l ABOVE: Ministers Hon. Joseph Habineza - Rwanda, Hon. JeanJacques Nyenimigabo - Burundi and Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi -Uganda shake hands

l LEFT: Ministers from 38 countries came together in Beijing toendorse the SDP IWG recommendations and the Beijing Declarationon Sport for Development and Peace

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External Evaluation Deems SDP IWG a SuccessAs 2008 drew to a close, the SDP IWG enlisted the services of an external evaluator to conduct an in-depth assessment ofthe four-year initiative. The evaluation concluded:

Overall and by all accounts, the SDP IWG was a highly successful initiative. By engaging national governments andinternational agencies in regular dialogue and consultation onSport for Development policy, the Secretariat [Right To Play]was able to produce policy recommendations that reflect thecontexts, experiences and priorities of national governments,while at the same time building capacities, inspiring commit-ments, initiating dialogue, and mobilizing action toward Sportfor Development policy development at the national and international level.

The SDP IWG Evaluation also revealed that:

Nearly all respondents unanimously described the SDP IWG report, Harnessing the Power of Sport for Development and Peace: Recommendations to Governments, as essential, valuable and important.

Virtually every respondent agreed that Right To Play fulfilled its role as Secretariat effectively and efficiently. Cited strengths included:

Competent, committed, and professional personnel driven by passion for Sport for Development and Peace.

History, profile, and leadership in the international Sport for Development movement.

Reputation amongst, and contacts within, key governments through active, in-country programming.

Nimble and independent Right To Plays ability to adapt quickly and act responsively were cited as key assets to theestablishment and success of the SDP IWG.

EVALUATION REPORT: SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACEINTERNATIONAL WORKING GROUP

SDP IWG PUBLICATIONSHarnessing the Power of Sport for Development and

Peace: Recommendations to Governments demonstratesthat well-designed programs and policies focused on the best valuesof sport can drive development goals forward.

Sport is increasingly recognized as an important tool in helpingthe United Nations achieve its objectives, including the MillenniumDevelopment Goals. This report highlights the very real evidenceof the effectiveness of well-designed sport programs, and thusembraces the power of sport for development.

BAN KI-MOON, UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Harnessing the Power of Sport for Development and Peace: Recommendations toGovernments is a very well produced, user-friendly and comprehensive document... it willbe an extremely valuable tool for governments interested in developing and implementingSport for Development policy as well as for generating further interest and dialogue on Sport forDevelopment policy development.

SDP IWG EVALUATION REPORT

Summary Harnessing the Powerof Sport for Development and Peace:Recommendations to Governmentspresents a summary of the key findings and recommendations presented in the full-lengthreport.

Sport for Development and Peace:Governments in Action profiles the uniqueapproaches to Sport for Development of 34 countries around the world.

On behalf of the SDP IWG, Right To Playwishes to acknowledge with appreciation the generoussupport of SDP IWG funders in 2008: the Governmentsof Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Austria.

l RIGHT: Sport for Developmentand Peace champions (from theleft), the Honourable Liu Peng(Executive President of the BeijingOlympic Organizing Committee,President of the Chinese OlympicCommittee, and Minister of theGeneral Administration of Sports of the Peoples Republic of China),Mr. Wilfried Lemke (SpecialAdvisor to the UN SecretaryGeneral on Sport for Developmentand Peace) and Johann O. Koss,Chair of SDP IWG Secretariat,headline the SDP IWG ExecutiveCommittee meeting in Beijing

ss

s

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Right To Plays roots go back to the1994 Winter OlympicGames in Lillehammer, Norway when the fundraising organiza-tion (then known as Olympic Aid) was born and began raisingmoney for people in war-torn countries and areas of distress.Since it began implementing programs as a fully-fledged NGOin 2000, Right To Play has evolved into a mature global human-itarian organization and has maintained a vivid presence atevery Olympic Games since.

Being at the Olympic Games is a prime opportunity for Right To Play to engage athletes in our mission and raise awarenesswith the millions of spectators who revel in the energy and spectacle of the Games.

A Footprint in the Olympic VillageRight To Plays location in the Olympic Village provided anincredible platform to engage athletes, media and guests. Morethan 3,200 Olympians representing 170 countries visited ourinformation centre to learn more about Right To Plays programs,the countries where we operate, and our Athlete Ambassadorprogram. Direct access to Right To Play provided athletes with theideal opportunity to interact with our staff, donate memorabiliafor a live auction, take photos and help plan activities during theGames. More than 100 active and retired Right To Play AthleteAmbassadors supported Right To Play in Beijing, and 18 newAmbassadors signed up during the Games.

Taking Our Mission to the Global CommunityThe Games provided Right To Play with a key communicationplatform to raise awareness of the work that we do and thepower of Sport for Development. Being at the Games allowedRight To Play to continue to build our profile and visibility withathletes, National Olympic Committees, corporate partners,and the general public.

We took a strategic approach to our media relations in Beijingby focusing on media organizations that would have the mostimpact on our key constituencies. These efforts garnered usbroad international coverage echoing the unique nature ofRight To Plays activities during the Games. Major media outletscovered Right To Play including Eurosport, the CanadianBroadcasting Corporation, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today,China Daily, NBC, CNN International, BBC Radio, Reuters and the Associated Press, which generated 200 million mediaimpressions.

Olympians Step Up To Reveal Their Hearts of Gold As the worlds best athletes competed at the Beijing 2008Olympic Games, a handful of Olympians made their medalscount three times over: for themselves, their countries, and for children in need. Right To Play and Johnson & Johnson launchedthe Hearts of Gold program exclusively for Beijing Olympians toinspire and enable them to give of themselves and help make adifference through simple yet meaningful acts of caring.

Through the Medal Grants part of the program, Johnson &Johnson made a donation to Right To Play for every medal wonby our Athlete Ambassadors. The company donated $20,000per gold medal, $15,000 per silver medal and $10,000 perbronze medal.

Averaging about 250 visits a day, the Right To Play informationcentre in the Olympic Village was packed with athletes interestedin participating in the Hearts of Gold program. In total, $450,000was raised through the Medal Grants program by 22 athleteswho won eight gold, 16 silver, and five bronze medals combined.This funding provided critical support for Right To Play's programs.

Beyond the Medal Grants program, Johnson & Johnson's supportincluded sponsoring five fully-funded, three-month serviceFellowship positions.

l FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Wu Minxia (China, Diving), Jose Calderon (Spain, Basketball), Anna Rice (Canada, Badminton), and Kate Bates (Australia, Cycling) with autographed apparel for the Right To Play Auction in Beijing

RIGHT TO PLAY BALANCES BODY, MIND AND HEART AT BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

RIGHT TO PLAY IN BEIJING

The program was designed to help Olympians gain valuablepost-Games life experience while sharing their special skills andOlympic spirit with children living in disadvantaged areas aroundthe world. As Fellows, the Olympians worked in one of theNational or Regional Right To Play offices to acquire skills in areaslike program management, fundraising and communications thatwill help them throughout their post-competition careers.

Right To Play also partnered with Lenovo, the global PC manu-facturer, to hold an online eBay auction of athletes Olympicmemorabilia and sports gear from the Beijing Games. In the ultimate show of sportsmanship, Olympians donated items theyhoped would raise money in support of Right To Play programs.

UPDATE ON RIGHT TO PLAY CHINAIn 2008, Right To Play expanded its efforts in China beyond the ongoing Happy Healthy Childpilot programs which have been funded by the Johnson & Johnson Family Health Initiative since 2007.

Helping Migrant Children In Beijing and Guangdong For the past two decades, the increase in Chinas rural to urban migration rates has resulted ina population of 20 million migrant children. Citizens lose access to local social services if theyrelocate and for this reason, immigrant children are now a significant segment of the countrysnew urban poor.

To help address the situation of migrants, Right To Play began working with various local partnersin 2008 to implement programs that benefit migrant children in Beijing and Guangdong, theareas with the largest migrant populations. Right To Play programs ensure that migrant childrenfrom disadvantaged communities are given the opportunity to access holistic health educationand information about social inclusion.

Earthquake Relief in SichuanThe earthquake in Wenchuan claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated the surroundingcommunities. Scores of children were affected by this disaster and have been traumatized, livingin camps for Internally Displaced Persons, and in many cases, disabled. This presents ongoingdifficulties both for their daily lives and for their education.

Right To Plays work focuses on building the capacity of primary and kindergarten teachers toprovide quality care to these children. The teachers focus on supporting their rehabilitation byproviding play and learning materials that help them cope with their challenges and fears. They also teach practical lessons about safety, awareness and knowledge for an emergency situation.

Right To Play works with these children in Sichuan as part of the Wenchuan Earthquake Taskforces(WET) comprehensive program, which was jointly established by the State Council EmergencyManagement Experts Council, the Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management Institute ofMinistry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Education, as well as Beijing Normal University.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE HEARTS OF GOLD MEDAL GRANT PROGRAMAdam van Koeverden, Canada (Flatwater kayak, Silver)Adam Kreek, Canada (Rowing, Gold)Ben Rutledge, Canada (Rowing, Gold)Deborah Gravenstijn, Netherlands (Judo, Silver)Ruben Houkes, Netherlands (Judo, Bronze)Imke Schellekens-Bartels, Netherlands (Equestrian, Silver)Nina Solheim, Norway (Taekwondo, Silver)Norwegian Handball Team (Gold)Jose Calderon, Spain (Basketball, Silver)Tim Brabants, UK (Kayak, Gold and Bronze)Michelle Guerette, USA (Rowing, Silver)Heather ORiley, USA (Football, Gold)Betsey Armstrong, USA (Waterpolo, Silver)Natalie Coughlin, USA (Swimming, Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze)Crystl Bustos, USA (Softball, Silver)Anna Cummins, USA (Rowing, Gold)Jennie Finch, USA (Softball, Silver)Christine Magnuson, USA (Swimming, 2 Silver)Kate Markgraf, USA (Football, Gold)Jessica Mendoza, USA (Softball, Silver)Ogonna Nnamani, USA (Volleyball, Silver)Stacey Nuveman, USA (Softball, Silver)

l TOP LEFT: Medal ceremony for men's gymnastics at the Beijing OlympicGames l TOP RIGHT: Right To Play Auction of athletes Olympic memorabiliaand sports gear

l BELOW: Right To Play's sport and play programs foster the healthy physical, cognitive, social and emotionaldevelopment of children

l BELOW: Children in Beijing play Frozen Beanbag, a game that helps to develop leadership and cooperative skills

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24

CANADA NATIONAL OFFICES

Right To Play Canada had its strongest fundraising year ever in2008, highlighted by a landmark national corporate partnershipwith Mitsubishi Motors of Canada. Backed by a coast-to-coast marketing campaign and in-store displays, Mitsubishi donated$100 from every car sold at retail over the months of April, Mayand June. The resulting $480,000 donation to Right To Play was the largest non-governmental contribution in Right To PlayCanadas history.

Right To Play was also proud to be named the official charity of theurban adventure race series Mitsubishi CityChase. Taking place inseven cities across the country, Mitsubishi CityChase boosted RightTo Plays profile while generating more than $120,000 by incorpo-rating fundraising targets into the race. Right To Play would like toextend a huge thank you to both Mitsubishi Motors of Canada andMitsubishi CityChase for their loyalty and unyielding support.

Festival Cup Brings Stars To IceRight To Play continued to make strong inroads with thehockey community through Right To Plays inaugural NHLDonation for Minutes Weekend, and the Festival Cuphockey game, presented by GMP Capital Trust, in supportof Right To Play. Played at Torontos Air Canada Centre,this one-of-a-kind contest featured more than 20 currentand past NHL superstars including Mats Sundin, JoeThornton and Doug Gilmour facing off alongsideHollywood celebrities such as Tim Robbins, DB Sweeneyand others who were in town for the Toronto FilmFestival. We are thankful to all participants and in particular to Canadian Advisory Board members KevinAlbrecht and Kevin Sullivan, and to event organizer Joey Scoleri for making the Festival Cup a reality.

Two NHL players left the ice tohead for the sun when AthleteAmbassadors Zdeno Chara(Boston Bruins) and RobynRegehr (Calgary Flames) visitedRight To Plays programs inMozambique. Both were incred-ibly inspired by the impact ofRight To Plays work. Followingthe visit to Mozambique, ZdenoChara climbed Mt. Kilimanjaroin support of Right To Play. Theentire journey was chronicledby a film crew from NHLNetwork for a one-hour documentary that aired prior

to the start of the 2008-09 NHL season. I saw first-hand what anincredible impact Right To Play Coaches are having on childrenslives, Chara said. I was inspired by their commitment andextremely impressed by the ability of just a few Coaches to createsuch happiness and amazing learning opportunities for literallyhundreds of children.

Athletes Step UpAnother Athlete Ambassador trip to Ghana took place in May withcelebrated Canadian Olympians Clara Hughes (speed skating),Emily Brydon (downhill skiing), Mellisa Hollingsworth (skeleton) andSteve Omischl (aerials), all of whom will be competing at the 2010Winter Olympics in Vancouver with Right To Play in their hearts.

Athletes continued to step up for Right To Play in remarkable force atthe inaugural Red Ball Celebrity Classic golf tournament, generouslyhosted at Silvertip Golf Course in Canmore, Alberta. More than 30Canadian Olympians and over 100 golfers showed their Right ToPlay spirit by refusing to let a day-long downpour spoil the fun.

The Canadian corporate community showed its support ofCanadian Olympians and Right To Play through the CelebrateBeijing campaign which raised more than $80,000. Companiespledged $1,000 for every medal won by Canadian Right To PlayAthlete Ambassadors at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.

Exceptional Grassroots SupportCanadian students continued to show their concern for children in other parts of the world with countless events in support of Right To Play throughout the year. By year end, Right To Play had14 officially recognized University Clubs on Canadian campuses,and Right To Plays Canadian School Program Learning To Play,Playing To Learn was available for use in more than 6,000 classrooms across the country.

Right To Play was also proud to welcome many new partnersincluding Toronto Football Club, Jays Care Foundation, and Toronto Sport and Social Club to the Right To Play family. Theongoing support of major donors such as Harris Steel Group,Lothlorien, GMP Capital, Skylink Aviation, OneXOne Foundationand the Canadian government through the Canadian InternationalDevelopment Agency (CIDA) was an inspiration throughout the year.

Most important, we wish to thank the thousands of Canadiansacross the country who embraced Right To Play in 2008, and who grew in numbers and strength like never before.

l BELOW: Johann Koss,President and CEO of Right To Play, presents aRed Ball to Koji Soga,President and CEO ofMitsubishi Motor Sales ofCanada Inc., in recognitionof the $480,000 donationby Mitsubishi

l RIGHT: Miss CanadaInternational 2009,Catherine Thomas,accompanied byMats Sundin, KevinSullivan, Adam vanKoeverdan and Doug Gilmour,drops the puck at the inaugural FestivalCup hockey game at Torontos AirCanada Centre

25

In 2008, Right To Play Netherlands contributed to the organizationsgoal to engage one million children in regular sport and play activities by 2012.

Raising awarenessLeading up to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Right To PlayNetherlands organized a traveling photo exhibit to create awarenessfor every childs right to play. The exhibit was sponsored by NikonEurope and the foundation, The Art of News. Throughout the exhibitthe number 8 was symbolic, referring to the start date for theOlympic Games on 08-08-08. Portraying eight children from RightTo Play programs in Sri Lanka, Liberia and Lebanon by well-knownphotographer, Raymond Rutting, the exhibit toured eight differentlocations in Holland, starting at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdamand ending at Schiphol Airport. In August 2008 the exhibit travelledto the European Parliament in Brussels, where European parliamen-tarian, Thijs Berman, served as the host. One of the photos fromthat exhibit is on the cover of this Annual Report.

Inspiring AthletesWith 2008 being a prominent year for sports, Right To PlayNetherlands had numerous opportunities to involve AthleteAmbassadors in major events such as the World All Round SpeedSkating Championships, the European Cup, Tour de France and ofcourse the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Throughout the yearAthlete Ambassadors Troy Douglas (Sprinter and national coach ofthe Dutch Sprint team), Chiel Warners (Decathlon) and MichaelBoogerd (Cyclist) visited Right To Play projects in Sudan, Uganda,Liberia and Zambia. During the visits all athletes experienced thepower of sport through various activities such as Play Days, whichstrengthened their support for Right To Play.

Government and Corporate FundraisingThe Young and Innovative Platform was established by newly-formed Dutch non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in early2008. The Platform, consisting of 50 young and innovative NGOs,including Right To Play Netherlands, successfully lobbied for a second chance to submit a proposal for funding to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Right To Play was successful in its lobbyingefforts and was granted 1.7 million from the Ministry over twoyears, to implement Play To Learn programs in Ghana, Benin and Rwanda.

In February 2008, the new policy memorandum, "An Open Shot at Goal: The Power of Sport in International Development," waslaunched by the Ministry of Development Cooperation and theState Department of Sport. In this policy framework, both theMinister and State Secretary elaborated on the many possibilitiessport has as a tool for development. In 2009, Dutch development NGOs and sport federations will be able to jointly implement sport and development activities inco-operation with local organizations, which is a greatopportunity for Right To Play Netherlands.

Right To Play Netherlands successfully tabled Sport forDevelopment and Peace at the Joint ParliamentaryAssembly agenda of the European Union (EU) and theGroup of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP),which was held in March 2008 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.Following Johann Olav Kosss speech, Members of theEuropean Parliament and representatives of ACP countriesmet to discuss Sport for Development which resulted inmore awareness on the subject matter.

Throughout 2008, businesses continued todemonstrate their commitment to corporatesocial responsibility initiatives. This resultedin funds raised and new partnerships developed with Right To Play. For example,approximately 1,000 Aegon employeesraised more than 125.000 by organizingthe Right To Play Run. Numerous other partnersoffered their knowledge and contacts to helpRight To Play Netherlands continue to buildour network and work towards our goals.

Board of TrusteesMr. Frans Lavooij and Mr. John Brenninkmeijerjoined the Dutch Board of Trustees in 2008.Mr. Frank Overhand, a long time supporterof Right To Play, left the Board in December2008.

Thank You Thank you to all of our Board members,Athlete Ambassadors, partners, volunteersand donors, for supporting our 2012 goal to reach more than one million children in regular activity.

NETHERLANDS NATIONAL OFFICES

l BELOW: Troy Douglasvisits with a boy in Sudan

l LEFT:Liberian girlposes with the Red Ball,Right To Play's symbol

PHO

TO:RAYM

ON

DRU

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NORWAY NATIONAL OFFICES

Right To Play Norways focus throughout 2008 was buildingstronger relations with its existing partners and sponsors both in thegovernment and corporate areas. To facilitate this, Right To PlayNorway hosted a gathering of its national partners at a PartnerForum. The purpose of the Forum is for partners to gain additionalknowledge and information about Right To Play, to exchange theirbest ideas so that successes can be replicated, and to share positiveexperiences related to their partnerships with Right To Play. TheForum is also intended to help partners develop new ideas togetherand to focus the groups efforts to create the most effective partner-ships that are beneficial to both Right To Play, its partners, and theirconstituencies and clients.

Norways Key PartnersRight To Play Norways six National Partners for 2008 areKjpmannshuset (SPAR, Joker & Mix), Wilh. Wilhelmsen, SCANDICHotels, Eniro Norge AS, Glitnir Bank (renamed BNbank) and

optical chain Synsam. Our National Partners represent a very important part of our work in Norway. Besidescontributing funds to our projects, our partners add value by continuing to spread the word about Right ToPlay to the Norwegian general public. The ongoingefforts by our partners are one of the reasons we haveseen our brand awareness in Norway rise to 36 per cent.This includes an increase in the unaided recognition ofRight To Play when asked about organizations workingwith sport and play for the development of children andyouth. The survey has been conducted for the past fouryears by Sponsor Insight.

Funders and Sports PartnersRight To Play Norway received restricted funding totallingmore than 24,2 Million NOK in 2008 from NORAD,

The Royal Norwegian Ministry ofForeign Affairs and UNICEF Norway.The funding benefits projects inTanzania, Uganda, Mozambique and Burundi as well as refugees and Internally Displaced Persons inLebanon, Jordan, Pakistan and theWest Bank. The funding from UNICEFNorway was generated from theNorwegian TVTelethon and is restricted to projects in Uganda and Mozambique. The funding is for a three year period, beginning in 2008.

In addition, Right To Play partnered with the Norwegian Olympicand Paralympics Committee and Confederation of Sports to launchprograms in Burundi that facilitate peace building and holistic child development for Burundian refugees who have returned fromTanzania.

Right To Play Norway also received funding from corporate partners,donors, individual gifts and through events, for a total of more than4,5 Million NOK funds in 2008.

Athlete Ambassadors and National Partner VisitMozambiqueIn May, Athlete Ambassador and speed skating World Champion,Even Wetten, was joined by Eniros CEO, Wenche Holen and VicePresident, Human Resources, Bente Helverschou on a visit to RightTo Plays projects in Mozambique. The purpose of the visit was toprovide firsthand experience of how sport can play an importantrole in childrens lives.

EventsRight To Play participated in several high profile events throughoutthe year in which many of our Athlete Ambassadors and partnersparticipated and contributed. These events generated importantfunding for Right To Play. In particular, we would like to extend aspecial thank you to the Euro08 Handball team, SPAR Jentebolgen,Floro Football, the Liverpool Legends and Glitnir Oslo Marathon. In addition, there was strong support by Norwegian AthleteAmbassadors for the Hearts of Gold program during the BeijingOlympics. The Norwegian Female Handball Team, who won Gold,and Nina Solheim who won Silver in Taekwondo, participated inthe campaign.

World Ski Championships Coming to OsloIn December 2008 Right To Play Norway signed a partnershipagreement with the organizers of the FIS Nordic World SkiChampionships which will be held in Oslo, Norway in 2011. The intention is to promote the development of children and youththrough sport, play and skiing activities focusing on Norway in particular. Both organizations will be looking to raise awarenesson an international scale.

l TOP: AthleteAmbassador and WorldChampion Even Wetten,Speed Skating, visits Right To Play projects in Mozambique

l BOTTOM: BenteHelverschou and WencheHolen of Eniro Norwaytrying out the motor bikesthey donated to Coacheswho live in rural areas of Mozambique

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For Right To Play Switzerland, 2008 was a year of breakingrecords. Thanks to very engaged individuals, corporations andfoundations, Right To Play Switzerland expanded its fundraisingbase and exceeded expectations by raising more than CHF 6 million.

Thanks to value-in-kind support, volunteer work and other contributions, it was possible to keep expenses, office costs and infrastructure toan all time low of only two per cent. This meant that 98 per cent of all funds raised directly benefited Right To Plays sport and playprograms in some of the worlds most disadvantaged communities.Through numerous partnerships, growing support from AthleteAmbassadors and high profile events, the presence of Right To Playin Switzerland was further secured.

Adolf Ogi Joins International BoardThe team of Right To Play Switzerland was delighted that AdolfOgi, former President of Switzerland and Special Adviser to theUnited Nations Secretary General on Sport for Development andPeace joined Right To Plays International Board of Directors in January 2008. While I was UN Special Adviser I worked with many humanitarian organizations. Right To Play was the mostprofessional of all. Therefore I have decided to devote my serviceto this organization, said Dr. Ogi.

EFG Becomes Global PartnerRight To Play Switzerland was excited to have played a role insecuring Swiss-based bank, EFG International, as a Global Partner. The partnership, which saw a generous contribution of CHF 1.5 million, engaged staff who donated their time and made theirown financial contributions to Right To Plays program in Imvepi,Uganda. The bank also generously supported programs that benefited children in Sri Lanka.

Five Successful Years of GrowthRight To Play Switzerland celebrated its five-year anniversary at apress conference held during the Zurich Open Tennis Tournament.In the past five years the organization has solidly established itselfin the field of Sport for Development in Switzerland. Numerous representatives from the political, sport and business worlds cametogether at the anniversary celebration. The media response to thisevent was extremely positive and generated great awareness forRight To Play. In his speech, International Board member, Dr. AdolfOgi emphasized the importance of sport as the best life school.

Event HighlightsThe main highlight of Right To Play Switzerlands 2008event calendar was the annual summer event hosted byRoland Berger AG Strategy Consultants. Attended by AdolfOgi and CEO Johann Olav Koss as well as several Boardmembers and Athlete Ambassadors, more than CHF300000 was raised to benefit Right To Play programsworldwide.

Running for themselves and for others was the slogan ofanother event a two-hour race in Frauenfeld. More than400 runners took part in the event. Almost CHF 100'000was raised and benefitted children in the Lugufu refugeecamp in Kigoma, Tanzania.

Swiss Athletes OfferSupportRight To Play Switzerlandadded several new AthleteAmbassadors to its roster in2008. They include MarcoBchel (Alpine Skiing),Markus Zberg (Cycling),Chantal Strasser(Swimming), Alain Gaspoz(Soccer) and AndrVonarburg (Rowing).

New Managing DirectorIn December 2008, Andreas Wenzel joined theRight To Play Switzerland team as the newManaging Director. The appointment of the former Alpine Ski World Champion offers new perspectives and fundraising opportunitiesfor Switzerland.

Thank You Right To Play Switzerland would like to extend a special thanks to all our funders, Boardmembers, partners, athletes, friends and supporters for another great year!

SWITZERLAND NATIONAL OFFICES

l ABOVE from left:Barbara Keller, PatrickHeuscher, Jean PierreCuoni, Adolf Ogi, BernhardRussi, Bruno Kernen

l LEFT: Andreas Wenzel,Managing Director, RightTo Play Switzerland

l ABOVE from left: Karin Howell, Prof. Dr.Roland Berger, Johann Olav Koss, Adrian T. Keller,Dr. Martin Wittig at an annual summer event

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UKNATIONAL OFFICES

For Right To Play UK, 2008 was an impressiveyear that saw new partnerships formed withathletes and organizations, an enhanced profile through a range of exciting events, andan increase in funds raised with the help ofmore supporters than ever before.

A Remarkable Run for a FantasticCause Royal Parks Foundation Half MarathonTaking in some of Londons most iconic sitesand beautiful scenery, 162 runners ran onbehalf of Right To Play in the inaugural RoyalParks Half Marathon. Right To Play would like to thank those who participated for theirincredible support. As one of five Golden Oaks Partners in 2009, Right To Play is looking forward to increasing its profile furtherwith the help of 500 runners and their familyand friends.

Engaging and Informing Students Right To Play is incredibly excited and proud of thepartnership that we have forged this year with theBritish Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). StudentAmbassadors in 50 universities are now actively raising Right To Plays profile through a unique rangeof fundraising events. From jumping out of planes toswimming the channel, these initiatives unite studentsin the UK with young people around the world in acommon purpose.

World Cup at Chelsea FootballClub Right To Plays 2008 World Cup atStamford Bridge brought 16 corporateteams together on hallowed turf.Representing Right To Play programsfrom around the world, they raisedmore than 100,000 as they battledto be crowned Right To Play WorldChampion. The event proved to be a memorable day of teamwork, camaraderie and fun, with playersrelaxing throughout the evening alongside Chelsea legends and sporting stars.

Athlete Ambassadors Join the TeamTwelve new Athlete Ambassadors were signed by Right To Play UKin 2008. Many joined our team as a result of our presence at theBeijing Olympic Games, where Acting UK Director, Mike Emery,met with them in the Olympic Village. As Ambassadors for Right To Play, these athletes have the unique opportunity to use theirexperience to raise funds and support for Right To Play, ultimatelyimproving the lives of children all over the world.

Athlete Ambassador and Alpine skier, Chemmy Alcott did just this in 2008, while leading a trip to Kilimanjaro and later visiting our projects in Tanzania. With the help of fellow Winter Olympian,Julia Mancuso, Chemmy raised almost 20,000 for programs in Tanzania, by auctioning skiing memorabilia and engaging infundraising initiatives prior to her trip. We are incredibly gratefulfor her support and that of our entire dedicated team ofAmbassadors.

International InspirationRight To Play was named a preferred delivery partner forInternational Inspiration in 2008