Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne today took part in a conference held in Athens by the organisation Right to Play. The Prime Minister, who spoke on harnessing the power of sport for peace and reconciliation, said he would actively participate in the following-up of the conference. He said Norway will grant an additional NOK 1.5 million to the organisation’s work.

Right to Play was founded and is headed by former Norwegian speed skater Johan Olav Koss.

Norwegian government support to Right to Play will thus pass NOK 7 million this year. Grants are distributed to programmes in Afghanistan, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Palestinian Areas and Israel. All programmes are directed towards refugee children and children growing up under difficult conditions.

Through sports and playing activities Right to Play contributes to ease the living conditions of children as well as adults, while creating arenas for learning, fellowship, cooperation and reconciliation. By mobilising schools and local communities, the organisation also paves the way for vaccination programmes and information campaigns on major health challenges as HIV/AIDS.