Johann Olav Koss: Right To Play

Johann Olav Koss, founder of Right to Play (Right to Play (Frank Marshall))

Years of civil war throughout the continent of Africa have displaced millions from their homes and lives. We've seen how this type of systemic violence has fractured families and thrust young children prematurely into adult roles; from caring and working for their families to taking up arms and fighting as soldiers. One of the things these children skip over in their truncated youth is something that teaches them trust, cooperation, problem-solving and in a very basic way, friendship. It's play; the games that lead to the laughter and dizzying memories that enrich our childhoods and it's something that ultimately, makes us who we are.

Playing children (Right to Play (Frank Marshall))

For Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion speed-skater, Johann Olav Koss, it's this kids' stuff, tag, hide & seek, soccer, blind man's bluff, that forms an essential part of growing up and becoming the kind of loving, trusting adults that make for good neighbors and peaceful citizens of the world. That's why this former Olympic star has foregone the good life afforded him as an Olympic icon in his native Norway and set off across the dirt roads of Africa. Johann is the founder of Right to Play. In a land saturated with guns and ammunition, Johann is distributing an even more powerful weapon to the children of Africa: joy.

Playing games (Right to Play (Frank Marshall))

"What do you learn from these games?" Johann asks a young girl who has fled war-torn Somalia, fearing for her life. "We learn how to be friends. We don't fear from our friends." Together with an army of volunteers, teachers, coaches and diplomats, Johann goes into the settlements and refugee camps of Africa, armed with the tools of his trade: soccer balls, hula hoops, blindfolds and chalk. "Right to Play's goals, in addition to having fun and playing." Joahann explains, "They really learn through the games - basic life skills of the child, which could be physical, psychological and social development, or it is in the area of health. prevention messages so they can prepare themselves in protection from diseases. Or, if it's in the area of cooperation and conflict resolution."

Right to Play board room (Right to Play (Frank Marshall))

"I don't think there's a place we came where they didn't ask if we couldn't reach more children." Johann says, "It's very tragic to meet children who just weeks ago had to run away from their homes with nothing, to come to a settlement because they're afraid of being killed. and some of them have lost family members. I get very emotional and upset when I see this. And I want to show strength, that we are caring for them, that we are here to do something and not only make promises." Johann isn't the kind of man to show up and tour the camps, make some lofty promises, go home and forget. "These images - doesn't matter how many times I see them, I'm always carrying it with me."

The girls like the games too (Right to Play (Frank Marshall))

All around the world, Johann Olav Koss teaches children the most fundamental lesson. He teaches them to play. "It actually feels greater to have this goal than it was to fight for a gold medal. In many ways it feels like I have an opportunity to give back for all the things I've been given in my life." And for this Olympic champion the things he's giving are easy to see in the children he works with: the joyful smiles, the spring in their step and the eyes that can't help but shine with a new reason to hope.