Thursday 8 November 2007
Media release
Right To Play Red Ball Programme Launches in NZ
New Zealanders now have the opportunity to support specially-designed sport
and play programmes that aim to improve health, build life skills, and
foster peace for children and communities affected by war, poverty and
disease.
International humanitarian organisation Right To Play and the Adi Dassler
Fund, along with international football star Zinedine Zidane, have a common
belief - that sport has the power to change the world.
They have joined forces to raise awareness of sport as an innovative tool
for addressing critical development issues, like the lack of basic education
and health information and the impact of conflict. Together they are also
launching a global initiative to raise funding for Right To Play programmes
around the world.
The Adi Dassler Fund, a non-profit organisation which receives its funding
from the adidas brand, has signed a four year commitment to Right To Play
and has asked Zinedine Zidane to join as a key driver of the initiative
around the globe. Zidane, who retired from international competition last
year, is devoting much of his time now to working with children.
The centerpiece of the awareness initiative is the Right To Play symbol, a
red ball. Right To Play has been using the red ball to represent its
organisation and as a symbol for change through sport since 2002. Together
with adidas, Right To Play has re-designed the ball and for the first time
is launching a global initiative to create awareness of the organisation and
for the important role of sport for development in some of the most
disadvantaged areas around the world.
"We are thrilled about this new partnership with adidas and their commitment
to supporting our programmes that use sport and play to improve health,
build life skills and foster peace for children and communities affected by
war, poverty and disease," explained Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO
Right To Play. "Sport for Development is still a relatively new area in
terms of global recognition, but with adidas and Zidane on board we will
encourage people everywhere to join this important movement."
In New Zealand, replica mini red balls are on sale at adidas' Sports
Performance Centre in Newmarket and the Licensed Concept Store at Auckland
Airport. Balls will sell for $20, with all proceeds going to the Right To
Play Organisation.
The Adi Dassler Fund will also provide 100,000 full size red balls for use
in the more than 20 countries where Right To Play runs programs. Zidane will
travel to one of these countries over the course of the next year to
participate in Right To Play programs and lend his voice to the movement.
"I know firsthand the positive impact sport can have on your life and the
skills and values sport can teach like leadership, team work, confidence and
perseverance," explained Zidane. "Together with Right To Play and the Adi
Dassler Fund, I hope to have the opportunity to share my love of sports with
children around the world and to help them grow and learn through the power
of sport and play."
Right To Play
Right To Play uses specially-designed sport and play programmes to improve
health, build life skills, and foster peace for children and communities
affected by war, poverty, disease. Working in both the humanitarian and
development contexts, Right To Play has projects in more than 20 countries
in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Right To Play is the only global-scale implementer of Sport for Development
and Peace programmes and takes an active role in driving research and policy
development in this area.
Right To Play was founded by four-time Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav
Koss.
Adi Dassler Fund
The Adi Dassler Fund was formed to give structure and focus to the adidas
Brand's charitable giving. It is a non-profit organisation separate from the
adidas brand, but receives aid in the form of financial and product
contributions, employee volunteerism, sponsored-athlete support and
marketing assistance. The Adi Dassler Fund is a tool that helps employees to
channel their goodwill.
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