Written and photographed by Toby Snelgrove

The disappointment associated with Canada’s weekend medal drought was interesting to me. So many eyes focusing on the medals. So many dedicated athletes disappointed with being only the 4th best in the world. Have we lost something here? This addiction “owning” the podium seems, to me at least, to be taking away from the simply joy of sports like, perhaps, skipping.

You many not know that skipping is prevalent at the Olympics. It is not a medal quest. Not restricted to elite athletes. No, it is on the streets, open to all and no tickets necessary.

Isabel, a Right to Play volunteer supervises the skipping

Volunteers with The Right To Play are roaming the city core inviting anyone to skip both to promote their organization as well as to promote the importance of play. The Right to Play , formerly known as Olympic Aide, is a non-profit organization founded by Olympic champion, Johann Olava Koss and is active in 23 countries. Each week 700,000 children are actively involved the Right to Play organized activities. “Our goal”, states Isabel one of the volunteers, “is to improve the lives if children living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. We train coaches as well as teachers so that once we actually leave the country they can continue on with the programs.”

Not enough rope for dad to play

Though banned from and official role at the 2010 Winter Olympics due to sponsorship conflicts, they do have a pavilion located at Concord Place, right across from the Saskatchewan House. Attendees get an opportunity both to play as well as learn about the purpose and history of this philanthropic organization.

So, if your country does not end up owning the podium, head to the Right to Play pavilion and just play.

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