International humanitarian organization, Right To Play and adidas have joined forces to bring the positive impact of sport and play to children in disadvantaged communities around the world. The centerpiece of the program is a limited edition mini red ball that goes on sale today at adidas stores worldwide and on adidas.com.
The mini ball is a world cup-style redesign of Right To Play's longstanding symbol and will retail for 10 dollars in the US. As a primary driver for the awareness initiative, adidas retail employees will act as Right To Play ambassadors and the stores will be transformed to showcase the work that Right To Play is doing in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. All proceeds from the sale of the mini ball will go to support Right to Play's projects around the world.
“In the communities where we work, Right To Play's red ball is recognized as a symbol of hope, health and happiness,” said Olympic legend and Right To Play President and CEO Johann Koss. “By buying this special mini ball, children in this country can give the gift of laughter, hope and health to children in need around the world.”
In conjunction with the mini ball initiative, the Adi Dassler Fund will provide over 100,000 full size red balls for use in the more than 20 countries where Right To Play has programs. The red ball embodies Right to Play's values — the best values of sport including cooperation, respect, inclusion, integrity and fair play. Written on the red ball are the words “Look after yourself, look after one another.” This is the philosophy that guides Right to Play's work. Through its programs, the organization strives to empower individuals to look after themselves and look after their communities.
Additionally, legendary soccer phenom, Zinedine Zidane, who retired from international competition last year, is now devoting much of his time to working with children and will partner with the Adi Dassler Fund to be a key driver of the Right To Play initiative. Over the course of the year, Zidane will travel to one of the countries participating in Right To Play programs and lending his voice to the movement.
“I know firsthand the positive impact sport can have on your life and the skills and values sport can teach like leadership, team work, confidence and perseverance,” explained Zidane. “Together with Right To Play and the Adi Dassler Fund, I hope to have the opportunity to share my love of sports with children around the world and to help them grow and learn through the power of sport and play.”
Later in July, adidas and Right To Play will expand the initiative with Major League Soccer bringing the program to life in-stadium and reaching MLS athletes and fans nationwide.
“Sport for Development is still a relatively new area in terms of global recognition, but with adidas and Zidane on board we will encourage people everywhere to join this important movement,” explained Koss.
