Right To Play launches in Dubai

RTP is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play as a tool for development of children and youth around the world.

This initiative is part of HRH Princess Haya's goals to enhance education outcomes in Dubai and is the first initiative of its kind in the region.

The event was attended by HRH Princess Haya, a representative from the Ministry of Education, HE Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai School Agency, the first agency of KHDA and Johann Koss, founding president and CEO of RTP. The event was also attended by representatives of federal and local sport associations, school principals in Dubai, physical education teachers and some students.

Speaking on behalf of HRH Princess Haya Bint AL Hussein HE Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, who addressed the gathering, said "Besides the physical benefits, programs like Right to Play, benefit children socially and emotionally and helps build safer and stronger communities. There is also a deep scientific correlation between physical fitness and school achievement that cannot be ignored. Programs like these provide a level playing field and create a platform that promotes inclusion and involves children who may be marginalized for different reasons."

He added, "Today's children are citizens of tomorrow. It is our duty to prepare them for their future role by developing well-balanced individuals who care and are committed."

This was followed by a speech from Fatma Al Marri and Johann Koss. The students then held a display that represented the goals of this initiative and the impacts of RTP programs on society.

Johan Koss, founding president and CEO of RTP said, "Right To Play will continue its role in the supervision of this Initiative, that will improve the health of students, and will give them opportunities to practice numerous sport activities in a fun way, and create from them tomorrow's champions. However, more important than the creation of champions is the promotion of healthy children.

As Sheikh Mohammed stated, "sport is considered one of the most important aspects in human development and toward building a complete individual. Sport builds the body, activates the mind, improves behavior, encourages team work as a habit, and establishes team spirit. I would again like to emphasize that this initiative will ensure that ALL children will have access to sport activities both in and outside of school, and can adopt a healthy lifestyle."

Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai School Agency, the first agency of KHDA said, "The Dubai School Agency began to enhance the educational system in order to improve the educational outcomes in the Emirate. In response to the call by HRH Princess Haya, the Dubai School Agency began to work with RTP to implement its programs in UAE, beginning in Dubai.

This has happened at the right time when the following crucial facts came to light:-

Many students lack life skills

Spread of aggressive behavior among students

Lack adequate knowledge of the cultures of other societies

Lack of programs that encourage team spirit

Students not utilizing their leisure time beneficially and it responsibly

Lack of the spirit of volunteerism among students

High prevalence of diseases (such as diabetes and obesity) among school students
Based on the above mentioned facts, HRH Princess Haya instructed KHDA to work with RTP and achieve the desired results."

The KHDA has in the recent past worked on building the physical education curriculum in the pilot schools, adapting the programs to suit the climate and the cultural sensitivities and ensuring that the programs included heritage games of the UAE.