Words: Nicole, Toronto
With its headquarters in the centre of Toronto, Right To Play is a non-profit organization that uses play to promote children's rights and improve the lives of vulnerable youth.
Right To Play has programs in 14 countries, across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and in Canada. At its heart lies a simple yet powerful belief: every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to grow through play, learn through sport, and thrive in a safe and inclusive environment.
In the context of its work in Canada, Right To Play is a link between young people and their full potential in a nation that is still struggling with systemic injustices, particularly those that impact indigenous communities.
In Canada, many indigenous children face unnecessarily high barriers to education, health care, and social inclusion. The programs offered by Right To Play are there to help break down these barriers. Through its community-led, culturally appropriate programs with First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, Right to Play’s community partners strengthen skills like resilience, confidence, and teamwork. These programs go beyond sport; they are catalysts for empowerment, giving young people a path towards leadership.
Recent community partner initiatives have included the “help-an-elder” program in Tk’emlups te Secwepmc and a youth council at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon.
Right to Play is more than just a charity; it is a movement based on justice, equality, and well-being. It continues to change the lives of young people by giving them a safe space where they'll lead, grow, and belong, not just play. Right to Play builds a more compassionate and just society through sport and inclusivity, reminding us that sports are for everyone and have more of an impact on us than we know, but only if we let them.
Nicole is a Toronto-based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the Toronto participants here