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644 Albert Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2K7
Phone: (705) 945-7111 Toll Free: 1-888-393-3639
2016 Annual Report News Items » When Children Play, The World Wins

When Children Play, The World Wins

Over the past several years, the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) has developed a close partnership with Right To Play (RTP), an organization that uses the power of play to educate and empower children to be guardians of their own health and active participants in their communities. In the last two years, ADSB students and staff have participated in Play Academies led by Right To Play and ADSB continued to build the relationship as we once again hosted a Play Academy on April 14th and 15th.
Over 100 elementary students from ten ADSB schools took part in the training sessions held at FH Clergue in Sault Ste. Marie. Led by RTP instructors, the Play Academy session was a full-day workshop that empowered students to become leaders by developing facilitation skills while increasing knowledge around child rights. Students become certified as Junior Leaders and are able to lead Right To Play games at their home schools. In the spring, Junior Leaders from across the country can choose to lead activities at their school for a “Today We Play” nationwide event.
The aim of the Play Academy training session is to help students feel confident in their ability to lead peers in games that educate about social justice, the reward of giving back, and living an active lifestyle, while using newly developed facilitation skills with a focus on inclusion, teamwork and cooperation.
 
Right To Play programs create positive experiences and help to teach important life skills which help children adopt and maintain lifelong healthy behaviours and attitudes. The approach blends seamlessly with ADSB’s own focus on character building, well-being and giving back to the community.
 
“Right To Play believes that play is a powerful tool to change the world. It can inspire individuals and bring together entire communities. A game of football can educate children about tolerance and peace, and a game of tag can teach about malaria. When children play, they develop skills like cooperation, confidence and leadership – all important life lessons. Play provides a retreat from everyday hardships and brings joy and laughter, allowing kids to be kids.”
 
(excerpt from Right To Play website www.righttoplay.ca)