Ambassador and Olympic champion visits primary school for Right To Play
Right To Play Ambassador and Olympic champion rower Grace Prendergast visited a primary school in London in February 2025 – and children had a chance to hold her gold medal.
Grace, who won gold and silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and is a five-time world champion, went to Branfil Primary School in Upminster, in her role as Ambassador for Right To Play UK.
Grace, who is originally from New Zealand, delivered an assembly to children about her life as a professional athlete and the vital importance of play for children.
She spoke about Right To Play’s vital work transforming the lives of vulnerable children around the world using the power of play. This includes our programmes delivering play-based learning in schools and providing psychosocial support to help children living through conflict and crisis.
Last year, Right To Play was able to reach more than 5.6 million children globally, helping them to learn critical life skills, reach their potential and thrive through play. The charity’s work includes delivering play-based learning in schools and providing mental health support to help children living through conflict and crisis cope with trauma.
Grace Prendergast, Ambassador for Right To Play UK, said: “We were so pleased to meet the children at Branfil Primary School to talk about what play means and why it’s such an important part of children’s lives. The children were very engaged and had a great understanding about the benefits of play. They recognised that children in this country are fortunate in having access to sport and play, but that many young people around the world don’t have those same opportunities.”
A staff member from the school said: “At Branfil Primary School, we wholeheartedly believe every child has the right to play. As adults, it’s our duty to ensure childhood is rich with playful experiences. We believe that outdoor play not only enhances learning but also leaves a lasting positive impact on children’s lives. We loved having Grace visit and show our children the amazing work of Right To Play.”
Right To Play is able to reach millions of children every year across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, helping them to learn critical life skills, reach their potential and thrive through play.
