Today I was invited to a dialogue at the Chan Centre. The speakers were there on behalf of the non-profit organization called Right to Play. This is an organization that works to make opportunities to participate in sports for those that don’t have that experience readily available.
Along with witty, motivational, and intellectual speakers, there were also a handful of Olympic athletes who were there to educate the audience about the call to action. Only hours before the opening ceremonies it was exciting to see them out promoting this cause that they are backing.
In addition to some current athletes, there was also a former legend from speed skating. I personally enjoyed his speech the most because there was a story to follow. He told about the time he was in Africa and realized a group of kids had never played soccer with an actual ball. Instead, they tied up an old shirt and kicked that around. At that moment he decided after the Olympics, that he would bring sporting equipment back to this country. A few months later he brought an entire plane from Norway (his home country), full of sporting equipment. The ironic part was how much ridicule and criticism he received for bringing this starving country not food, but equipment.
The best part of this moving story came when he was greeted by the president of the country who couldn’t express greater gratitude for finally treating his people like people, through the gift of sport. That story altered my view and increased by understanding of the importance of using sports to bring people together, and bring them happiness.
As the Olympics progressed, I saw more and more purchases from the popular Canadian store, Roots. All of it bears the words “Right to Play,” and all of it contributes to the cause.