Athlete Quotes

"This is one of the greatest causes I have ever seen! Right To Play is using the incredible power of sport and play to help children who are affected in refugee camps, affected by war and orphaned by HIV/AIDS."
Wayne Gretzky, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Hockey Great

"Sport has influenced the path my life has taken. It has given me the ability to focus, create vision, understand differences and persevere through adversity. Going into the field in Africa brought home the reality that many children do not have the opportunity to engage in sport or to play. I had believed that these benefits were available to every child.  In the refugee camps in Sudan I saw children whose days were void of anything but intense boredom. To these children, Right to Play and our partners bring play, and with play the opportunity to learn and grow and develop their potential. Play is not a luxury; it is an essential element to a child’s development.  Organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, and the World Health Organizations (WHO) are partnering with Right to Play because they recognize the power of sport to help children of disadvantage. I am proud that my experience as an athlete and my passion for sport can benefit the lives of these children."
Silken Laumann, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and three-time Olympic Medalist (Rowing)

“Sport for Development programs are harnessing the power of sport and play to put children on a healthier development path. As my personal experiences have shown, sport has the power to change and heal lives, to build self-esteem, confidence and leadership and to create extraordinary possibilities. Sport and play are not luxuries but important and necessary building blocks. Please join Right To Play in helping to ensure every child’s right to play.”
Lance Armstrong, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and seven-time Tour de France winner

"I believe in the power of sport and play to change lives."
Catriona Le May Doan, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (Speed Skating)

"As an American and an Olympian we are given so many opportunities. We sometimes take for granted how fortunate we are. Working with Right to Play has given me the chance to give back to those children who don't know the joys of sports and recreation. I think it's so important for every child to have the right to play because sports can shape an individual's confidence, self-esteem, morals, strength, and physical and mental well being. With some children already going through such devastation in their lives, depriving them the right to play could deprive them of a chance to truly live a fulfilled life. Thinking of the smile that I can help put on the face of a small child, makes every effort worthwhile."
Nikki Stone, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials)

"Since I was a child, sport has been a powerful, positive force in my life. I believe every child has the right to play."
Dikembe Mutombo, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and NBA Basketball star

“Being an athlete has influenced so many aspects of my life. For that reason I am always looking to find a way to give back to my sport and to give children the opportunities that I had when I was young. Right to Play gives athletes an easy and effective way to do that - to bring the joy and love of sports to children all over the world.”
Emily Cook, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Aerials)

"There are parts in the world where few opportunities exist for kids to be kids. Sport and play provide that chance.  Right To Play provides that chance."
Steve Podborski, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Bronze Medalist (Skiing)

“Having been at the Olympics made me feel very happy and special. Not too many people ever get that chance and I am fully aware that we as athletes have a much higher responsibility than to just win or go for records... We are role models, opinion makers, and credible idols for children and youth, so it is my pleasure and urgent drive to fulfill that great chance that I got through my career.”
Oliver Stamm, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Beach Volleyball)

“It is my privilege to work with Right To Play as an Athlete Ambassador. As someone who has already been able to realize so many dreams in my lifetime, I was immediately drawn to this worthy organization. Right To Play recognizes that all children are special and beautiful, and deserves the right to enjoy their childhood. I can’t think of anything better than that.”
Bonnie Blair, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, five-time Olympic Gold Medallist, 1 Bronze (Speed Skating)

"I am excited about Olympic Aid [now known as Right To Play] because it gives kids a chance to discover through sports the very things that have made such a tremendous difference in my life over the years. Sports,, although such a small part of life teaches so many valuable lessons: a sense of fair play and integrity, teamwork and cooperation. The biggest thing that I've learnt though is that through hard work and perseverance you can achieve and you can do all of this while having fun.”
Devon Harris, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Bobsled)

"Right To Play allows us as athletes, the chance to give back using the skills that come naturally: leadership, sport, dedication and passion."
Simon Whitfield, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympic Gold Medalist (Triathlon)

"The wonderful thing about being part of an organization like Right To Play is that it gives athletes a very unique and powerful opportunity to use their successes in sport to help promote the underlying values of sport: fun, fairplay, healthy competition, sportsmanship and most importantly peace, with children in their own communities and in areas of the world where war and conflict have torn people apart. If I can contribute in some small way, to help children, in my community and in other parts of the world, to share and experience the joy of sport with one another, then I feel as though I have made a difference."
Kristina Groves, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Speed Skating)