Minister Paradis and Right To Play mark first International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
April 4, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Speaking to a group of high school students at an event hosted by Right To Play in celebration of the first International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, emphasized Canada’s commitment to help improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth in developing countries and promote peace around the world through sport and play.
“I have seen first-hand the positive impact that sport and play can have on children, regardless of their circumstances,” said Minister Paradis. “Sport builds self-confidence. It defies stereotypes, and it can foster hope for a better future. Canada will continue working with partners such as Right To Play to ensure children around the world can learn, earn and achieve success for themselves, their communities and their countries.”
Minister Paradis announced today that Canada will be partnering with Right To Play to advance development and peace in Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Mali and Rwanda through sport and play. The Advancing Health, Education and Development for Children and Youth (AHEAD) project will assist more than 235,000 children and youth in acquiring important life skills and health knowledge in safe and secure learning environments.
“Canada has been one of our most steadfast supporters over the past 12 years, and this commitment is a testament not only to our work as a development organization, but to the tremendous impact that can be made when governments and civil society work together to achieve common goals,” said Johann Koss, Right To Play’s Chief Executive Officer and President. “Together we will continue to enhance education, transform lives and build brighter futures for young people and their communities around the world through play.”
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
819-953-6238
margaux.stastny@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_Dev
