Statement from prominent Canadian Olympians: We, the following Canadian Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, wish to issue a statement of strong and ongoing support for the International Humanitarian Organization, Right To Play. The decision by the International Olympic Committee to exclude Right To Play from the Olympic village, and dissolve the memorandum of understanding that had existed previously, has been met with profound disappointment and regret. Right To Play is a humanitarian organization that is creating a safer and healthier world through the power of sport and play. Their mission – to improve the lives of children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace – is one that resonates profoundly with athletes and Olympians. Worldwide, Right To Play has over 400 athletes who support, advocate and drive awareness for the organization, believing firmly that Right To Play is making a difference in the world and improving the lives of children by strengthening their vulnerable communities with the best practices of sport and play. As athletes, we believe that one of the most effective ways of living the Olympic values and ideals is through humanitarian efforts and assistance to those in the world who are most in need. Right To Play, through its association and presence at the Olympic games has long provided athletes with this opportunity. Although disheartened and saddened by the decision to prevent Right To Play from having an official presence within the Vancouver 2010 and all future Olympic Games, we will proceed with unwavering support for Right To Play and continue to champion the organization. Please see the following list of Supporting Athletes:
- Adam Kreek
- Adam Van Koeverden
- Amanda Moreley
- Amanda Stepenko
- Amber Peterson
- Amy Walsh
- Andrew Byrnes
- Andrew Ference
- Anna Rice
- Annamay Pierse
- Arne Dankers
- Barney Williams
- Beckie Scott
- Ben Rutledge
- Benoit Huot
- Brent McMurtry
- Brian McKeever
- Brian Price
- Brittany Schussler
- Brittany Webster
- Cameron Baerg
- Cassie Campbell
- Chandra Crawford
- Chris Butler
- Chris Farstad
- Clara Hughes
- Colette Bourgonje
- Daria Gaiazova
- Darla Deschamps
- David Calder
- Denny Morrison
- Derek Porter
- Devon Kershaw
- Diedra Dionne
- Dominic Seiterle
- Drew Neilson
- Elin Holen De Capitani
- George Grey
- Hayley Wickenheiser
- Heather Mandoli
- Iain Brambell
- Jake Wetzel
- Jane Rumball
- Jason Myslicki
- Jasper Blake
- Jayna Hefford
- Jean-François Monette
- Jeff Pain
- Jennifer Heil
- Jon Montgomery
- Justin Warsylewicz
- Keith Loach
- Kevin Light
- Kevin Stittle
- Kristina Groves
- Kyle Hamilton
- Kyle Nissen
- Kyle Shewfelt
- Lisa Szabon
- Marc-André Monette
- Marie-Pierre Parent
- Mark Tewksbury
- Marnie McBean
- Martine Albert
- Mélanie Turgeon
- Mellissa Hollingsworth
- Micaela Widmer
- Michelle Stilwell
- Mike Beres
- Mike Brown
- Mike Lewis
- Morgan Alexander
- Nikki Dryden
- Nikola Girke
- Oliver Bone
- Philip Widmer
- Rob Taylor
- Rosanna Crawford
- Ross Rebagliati
- Ryan Blais
- Ryan Cochrane
- Sabrina Kolker
- Sarah Daitch
- Sarah Evanetz
- Sarah Reid
- Sarah Thorne
- Sean Crooks
- Silken Laumann
- Simon Whitfield
- Stephanie Berto
- Stephanie Dixon
- Susan (Reid) Schellinck
- Thomas Grandi
- Veronika Bauer
- Yvonne Visser
- Zina Kocher
• This is an athlete driven movement. As we, the athletes, have been talking to each other, we found something felt deeply wrong and violated by the IOC’s ruling. One year out from the Games, we are banding together to support this issue on our own accord, without prodding from Right to Play.
• The IOC commonly states that the Olympics are all about the Athletes. This issue is all about the Athletes.
• Right to Play addresses the true spirit of sport and reflect the reasons behind why the appeal of the Olympic games. Aligning with Right to Play keeps us athletes in touch with the values and ideals the Olympic games promotes.
• Athletes still support Right to Play and their presence at the Olympics, even though the IOC will not let RTP into the Village.
• RTP’s individual contact with and easy access to Olympians is vital. Because athletes are intensely focused on competition during the Olympics, providing easy contact to RTP is necessary. Every games athletes turnover at a high rate and new participants need to be reached persistently to keep this movement strong.
• Right to Play uses sport for development in the world’s most disadvantaged areas, training local coaches while providing lessons in leadership and conflict resolution. Right to Play uses games to teach lessons about peace, community and health