Donation Information
Right To Play is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity no. 1112404.
Please donate online by following the link above (through Charity Choice) or send a cheque made payable to "Right To Play UK" to:
Right To Play UK39 - 43 Brewer Street,
London,
W1F 9UD
+44 (0) 207 734 7946
What is Sport for Development?
Sport for Development evolved out of the growing evidence that strengthening the right of children to play enhances their healthy development and builds stronger communities. Sport* is now recognized by many as an effective tool in the pursuit of development and peace including international experts in the fields of development, education, health, sport, economic and conflict resolution.
1. Well designed sport and play programs put children on a positive path to healthy development. Regular physical activity and play are essential for physical, mental, psychological and social development.
2. Sport and play improve health and well being, extend life expectancy and reduce the likelihood of several non-communicable diseases including heart disease.
3. Sport and play also serve as tools to teach important values and life skills including self confidence, teamwork, communication, inclusion, discipline, respect and fair play. Sport also has psychological benefits such as reducing depression and improving concentration.
4. Sport has a positive impact on child education. Physical education typically improves a child’s ability to learn, increases concentration, attendance and overall achievement. Children learn better when they are having fun and being active.
5. Inclusion of women and girls. The skills and values learned through sport and play are especially important for girls, given that they have fewer opportunities than boys for social interaction outside the home. Through sport, girls are given the chance to be leaders, improve their self-confidence and self-esteem, acquire new interpersonal links and access new opportunities.
6. Sport is a catalyst for the economic development of communities and nations. Training of coaches and physical education teachers leads directly to jobs; sport events can have significant economic impact; and sport manufacturing can be a low resource economic activity.
7. The popularity and convening power of sport provides us with a powerful tool for reaching people and communicating important messages including messages of health and peace. Sport brings people together and has the potential to cross boundaries and open new dialogue. Many of the core values of sport parallel those necessary for peace, such as respect, justice and honesty.
* Sport programs must be crafted to uphold the values of development equity, inclusion and sustainability.
