Government of Canada Announces Funding for Right to Play

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Apr 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation,
today announced that the Government of Canada will make a contribution to
Right To Play, an international organization based in Toronto. Funds from
this initiative will use sport and play to promote basic education,
essential health awareness, and disease prevention to children and youth
living in disadvantaged areas in Benin, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda, and Liberia.

Minister Oda made the announcement of $17 million in funding to Right To
Play over three years following an informal meeting with Right to Play
President and CEO, Johann Olav Koss, and Right to Play Canadian Athlete
Ambassadors visiting Ottawa for the day.

"Canada recognizes the value of sport and play as a vehicle for
human development and as a tool for achieving health, education, and
conflict resolution-related goals,'' said Minister Oda. "Too many
children in developing countries have lost their childhood and the
opportunity to learn through play and sports as they struggle with the
challenges of poverty. The Government of Canada is committed to improving
the lives of children and youth around the world, and we are proud to
support this unique approach to improving their lives."

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to be here today to thank
Minister Oda and CIDA for this significant contribution which will enable
Right To Play to continue to reach children and youth in Western and
Francophone Africa," said Mr. Koss. "We are thrilled to be
strengthening our relationship with CIDA and thank them for recognizing
the importance of sport and play in the development of children and
youth."

Right To Play is a humanitarian organization aiming to improve the lives
of children and youth in developing countries by using the power of sport
and play, with the engagement of Canadian and international athletes
serving as role models. Today's funding announcement will enable Right To
Play to strengthen its existing sport and play activities and achieve
development results in all five African countries. The program is
expected to reach more than 200,000 children and youth, 2,500 teachers
and 4,500 coaches.

Right To Play's innovative model contributes directly to Canada's renewed
commitment to improving children and youth's health and strengthening
basic education in developing countries.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
819-953-6238

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Media Relations Office
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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