TORONTO – ‘Right To Play’ and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) are joining forces to host “Go Shoeless”, an awareness campaign taking place on the weekend of September 16-18, 2011. Coinciding with CBC, True Sport and ParticipACTION’s Sports Day inCanada, coaches from over 30 universities will go shoeless to raise awareness for those who do not have access to sports and proper sporting equipment
As the leading international humanitarian and development organization, ‘Right To Play’ uses the transformative power of sport and play to build essential life skills in children, thereby driving social change in communities worldwide affected by war, poverty and disease.
Robert Witchel, Right To Play’s Canadian National Director is thrilled with the opportunity to work with CIS: “Both Right To Play and CIS share a common interest in promoting sport as a tool for development and fair play. We’re proud of this meaningful campaign that not only supports every child’s right to play, but allows Canadian athletes to enrich their educational experience and create a safer and healthier world through sport.”
“We are delighted that CIS coaches across the country are taking off their shoes and braving the elements to raise awareness for every child’s right to play,” said Marg McGregor, chief executive officer of CIS. “CIS coaches are role models and leaders in their communities and this gesture sends an important message.”
During the inaugural “Go Shoeless” campaign, rugby, football and soccer coaches will be participating.
(Source: Michel Bélanger, CIS Communications & Media Manager)
About ‘Right To Play’
Right To Play is the leading international humanitarian and development organization using sport and play as tools to effect behavior and social change. The organization works with over 15,000 trained Coaches and community leaders who implement Right To Play programs for 700,000 children and youth. Right To Play programs are designed to develop basic life skills, prevent diseases, teach conflict resolution and instill hope in children affected by war, poverty and disease in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America, and is supported by more than 350 elite Athlete Ambassadors from over 40 countries. Recently, Right To Play expanded its programs in Ontario to include 30 new First Nation communities.