23rd January 2017

Right To Play And British Athletics Team Up To Give Children A Sporting Chance

23 January 2017 

A new partnership between Right To Play and British Athletics, has been announced today. The children’s education charity and the UK’s governing body for athletics are teaming up to inspire athletics fans to give vulnerable children around the world a sporting chance in life.

Right To Play will be the official charity partner for British Athletics at their events in the UK, including the Müller Anniversary Games at the London Stadium this summer. The Anniversary Games is one of the top annual athletics meets and will play host to many of the world’s leading athletes. 

Right To Play and British Athletics first partnered at the 2016 London Anniversary Games, attended by 80,000 people and featuring athletics superstars, Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah. [Click here so see a highlights video from the 2016 London Anniversary Games.]

Niels de Vos, CEO of British Athletics said: “I’m delighted that we’re again able to support Right To Play and the amazing work they do in helping disadvantaged children. British Athletics shares Right To Play’s vision that sport and play is positive and this partnership will go a long way in supporting that message.”

Nikki Skipper, National Director, Right to Play UK said: “As a charity that has sport and play at its core, British Athletics is a natural partner for Right To Play.”  

“Playing is what comes naturally to children and is crucial for their intellectual and emotional development. It helps children to realise their potential, whether through athletics in the UK, as a child experiencing sport in  a remote village in Tanzania, or as a refugee in Lebanon.” 

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and hope athletics fans will support us and help make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children around the world.”  

Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Greg Rutherford, sent a message of support for the partnership: "As a Right To Play Ambassador for over ten years I have seen first-hand how they are making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children through the power of sport and play. I am delighted that Right To Play and British Athletics have teamed up to help change children’s lives. I’m fully behind the Right To Play’s essential work and hope athletics fans around the country will do the same.”

As the charity partner of British Athletics, Right To Play will have a prominent presence at British Athletics events, where we will be engaging athletics fans with interactive games and fundraising activities.