20 June 2016

The charity Right To Play and British Athletics, the governing body for athletics in the UK, have today announced a partnership to inspire athletics fans and highlight the value of sport and play in creating life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged children across the world.

The partnership will raise awareness and funds for Right To Play’s work in 18 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The immediate focus of the partnership will be at the Müller Anniversary Games, where Right To Play will be the charity partner for the prestigious IAAF Diamond League meet on 22-23 July and the IPC Grand Prix Final on 23 July, both hosted at the Olympic Stadium.

Neil Child-Dyer, Partnerships Manager at Right To Play, said: “We are thrilled with this partnership. As a charity that has sport and play at its core, and having grown out of the Olympic Aid movement, British Athletics is a natural partner for us. Sport and play is vital in enabling a child to realise their potential, whether that is Usain Bolt, Mo Farah or a child from a remote village in Ghana or refugee camp in Lebanon.”

Niels de Vos, chief executive of UK Athletics, said: “Both organisations share the same message that sport and play is positive. This partnership is a strong symbol linking athletics to the global fight against child poverty and I’m delighted that we are able to support Right To Play and the great work they do.”

Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and former British, European, Commonwealth and World Champion, Derek Redmond, sent a message of support for the partnership: "I am delighted that Right To Play and British Athletics have teamed up to put children at the heart of the Anniversary Games and help change the lives of disadvantaged children around the world. Many of us will take playing sport for granted but sadly not all children have the same opportunities. Right To Play’s focus is both essential and unique and I’m fully behind their work.”

The ‘Müller Anniversary Games’ consists of the prestigious IAAF Diamond League and IPC Grand Prix Final and will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 22-23 July. Since first being held in 2013 the likes of Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford have all competed in the event at the former Olympic Stadium.

As charity partner Right To Play will have branding both inside and outside the stadium and will be running a text to donate appeal throughout the Games to encourage fans to make a difference.

For more information about Right To Play visit: http://www.righttoplay.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx