Right To Play Canada

Right To Play is a global non-profit organization that uses the transformative power of play to protect, educate, and empower children facing adversity. Founded in 2000 by Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur, Right To Play operates in some of the world’s most challenging environments, where poverty, conflict, and inequality limit opportunities for children to thrive.

The organization believes that every child has the right to learn and grow in a safe, inclusive environment. By integrating play-based learning into education, health, and peacebuilding programs, Right To Play helps children develop the life skills they need to overcome adversity, break cycles of poverty, and become leaders in their communities.

Right To Play reaches millions of children each year across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The organization partners with local governments, schools, and community groups to ensure its programs are sustainable and culturally relevant. Through trained local educators and coaches, children engage in games and activities designed to teach resilience, critical thinking, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

In education, Right To Play enhances learning outcomes by making classrooms more interactive and engaging. In health, it promotes behaviors that prevent disease and improve well-being. In areas affected by conflict or displacement, its programs help children heal from trauma and rebuild a sense of normalcy and hope.

With over two decades of impact, Right To Play has become a leader in play-based learning and child development. Its mission remains rooted in the belief that play is not a luxury—it is a powerful tool for change.