Derek Joins Right To Play As An Ambassador
Derek Joins Right To Play As An Ambassador
On Monday 27th April, Derek was delighted to announce his appointment as an ambassador by Right To Play, a global organisation using the power of sport to transform the lives of millions of disadvantaged children in some of the world’s poorest communities. He joins a team of more than 300 international ambassadors acting as role models and equipping children with the learning, health and social skills to overcome the effects of poverty, disease and war.
He told us “I am really excited to become an Ambassador of Right To Play. Sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and has shaped who I am as a person today. Using sports, games and play as tools is a really unique and powerful way to teach disadvantaged children and young people important skills to give them a brighter future. I am fully behind Right To Play’s vital work and look forward to helping them reach even more children through the power of sport and play in the future.“
Meryl Davies, National Director of Right To Play UK, spoke of the experience Derek can bring to bear in his work for the organisation, saying “Derek showed incredible humility and perseverance during his career and summed up the power of the human spirit during his famous Barcelona race,” with reference to the time Derek overcame a serious, mid-race hamstring injury to finish the 1992 Olympic 400 metre final.
“The children we work with also have to show that same spirit and determination to simply attend school in many cases. Derek truly understands the importance of our work and the importance of sport and play in reaching children and giving them a better chance in life. We are proud to have his support and look forward to working with Derek to make a difference to children’s lives.“
Established in 2000, Right To Play manages complex, large-scale, multinational interventions from donors including government agencies and the United Nations. Operating in more than 20 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, they develop proven programmes that encourage children to attend school, protect themselves from disease and resolve conflict. Their play-based activities dramatically improve life chances and opportunities, particularly for girls, those with a disability or HIV/AIDS, street children, former child combatants and refugees.
We would like to wish Derek all the very best as he embarks on this worthy venture. To find out more about the organisation, visit www.righttoplay.org.uk today.