Under the mandate “Look after yourself, look after one another,” Right To Play aims to give children who are disadvantaged a chance to learn and grow. Using sport to promote equality, health, peace, sportsmanship, and teamwork, Right To Play (RTP) is a worldwide association that fosters growth of minds and bodies in the most impoverished areas of the world.

This year, the University of Toronto has become the second Canadian university to create a local chapter of the international organization. Headed by two U of T students, Katie Davis and Orlagh O’Kelly, Right to Play at University of Toronto (RTP at U of T) seeks to take the ideals of RTP and apply them to the Greater Toronto Area.

Describing itself as “an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play as a tool for the development of children and youth,” RTP is committed to improving the lives of children and strengthening their communities. They accomplish this by translating the best practices of sport and play into successful life opportunities. Davis and O’Kelly both share this vision of RTP, and discussed what U of T can do for the citizens of Toronto.

“Our goal is to raise awareness not only of children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world, but also the plight of children in our own communities who may not have the resources to experience the positive value of sport,” Davis said. “With the University of Toronto Chapter, we hope to take the vision of the international organization and apply it at a local level.”

One idea the group has initiated is “Play Days,” where the RTP at U of T organizers bring children from local schools to the university to use its athletic facilities.

O’Kelly discussed the threefold decree of RTP at U of T.

“We want to promote awareness of ‘development through sport’ under the umbrella of RTP, fundraise for the international organization on campus, and conduct some off-campus community initiatives,” she said.

For those who are interested in getting involved with RTP at U of T, the group will be participating in the Gulu Walk this Saturday. Aiming to raise money and awareness to support the children in war-torn northern Uganda, the walk has individuals participating to raise money for the cause. The team name is RightToPlay@UofT, and the team captain is Marcia Bryon. People can go to www.guluwalk.com to join.

The second upcoming event is the Right To Play Skate, a fundraising and awareness event in partnership with RTP and Canadian NHL teams that will take place on November 19. For more information, please visit www.righttoplayskate.com.

RTP at U of T is still accepting new members. The membership costs two dollars and is open to students, varsity athletes and faculty alike. Those who have more questions or are looking to get involved can visit RTP at U of T’s website: www.righttoplay.com/utoronto, or e-mail [email protected]. General committee meetings for the organization are held once a month, usually the last Thursday from 8-9 p.m.