Right To Play Chief arrives in Lanka today

COLOMBO: Johann Alov Koss, one of the greatest winter athletes of all time, will visit Sri Lanka today in his capacity as the Chairman and CEO of Right To Play, an internationally-recognized NGO and a leader in Sport for Development. Right To Play uses sport and play to enhance the healthy physical and psycho-social development of children and build stronger communities.

Right To Play develops and implements child and community development programmes in nearly 20 countries in Africa, Asia (including Sri Lanka) and Latin America, working with UNICEF, UNHCR, and WHO.

Right To Play uses specially-designed sport and play programmes to improve health, build life skills, and foster peace for children and communities affected by war, poverty, disease.

In SJohann, the four-time Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating made world headlines when he won three gold medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Games in the 1500, 5000 and 10,000 metre events. Over the course of his career, he broke a total of 11 world records, won three World All-Round Championships, and numerous World Cups and National Championships.

Johann's achievements on the ice have since been eclipsed by his efforts on behalf of Right To Play. Johann first became involved with Right To Play (then known as Olympic Aid) in 1993 when he visited the African country of Eritrea. He was profoundly moved by the plight of the children. At Lillehammer, Johann donated the prize money from his 1500m victory to Olympic Aid and challenged other athletes to do the same. In 1994 Johann was appointed Special Representative for Sport for UNICEF International.

The people of Norway awarded Johann the distinction of "Best Norwegian Olympian Ever" in 1994 and he received the Norwegian Olympic Committee's highest award: The Fearnleys Honorary Award. Johann is also a recipient of numerous international awards including Sportsman of the Year by US Sports Illustrated, the Jesse Owens Award, the International Athletic Foundation Award in Los Angeles, and the Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award. Johann was given the Child Survival Award in 1996 by the Carter Center in Atlanta and, later that year during the celebration of UNICEF's 50th anniversary, he was given UNICEF's Honorary Award.

Johann was also declared "One of 100 Future Leaders of Tomorrow" by TIME Magazine, and "One of 1000 Global Leaders" by the World Economic Forum.