Dr. h.c. Adolf Ogi, Former Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace to the Secretary General of the United Nations, joins Right To Play’s International Board of Directors

February 11, 2008 Toronto Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play is pleased to announce the appointment of former President of Switzerland and Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. h.c. Adolf Ogi, to its International Board of Directors as of January 31, 2008.

As the Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace to the Secretary General of the United Nations (2001 to 2007), Dr. Ogi provided extensive leadership and played a critical role in advancing international awareness for Sport for Development and Peace.  He is noted for identifying the importance of access to play among children living in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities and for recognizing how access to sport and play enhances a child’s holistic development and helps contribute toward building stronger and safer communities. Right To Play appreciates the awareness that Dr. Ogi brought to the field and is extremely pleased to announce his continued involvement through his Board position.

Dr. Ogi joins 13 other influential individuals from Canada, USA, Switzerland and Holland on the International Board of Directors where he will provide governance and direction of the management of the organization.

Right To Play
Right To Play is an international organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Right To Play works in both the humanitarian and development contexts by training volunteers as Coaches to deliver our programs in more than 20 countries affected by war, poverty, and disease in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Sport for Development and Peace
Sport for Development and Peace evolved out of the growing recognition that strengthening the right of children to play enhances their healthy development and builds stronger communities. Sport, in its broad and inclusive meaning, is recognized by many development experts as an effective low-cost, high impact tool in the pursuit of development, education, health, and peace. Right To Play is a leader in the creating and implementing Sport for Development and Peace programs.

For more information please contact: