Right To Play has been selected as the charity of choice for the 2018 Sports Book Awards. The announcement was made at the shortlist launch event which took place this morning at the Headquarters of Coutts in Central London. Long term Athlete Ambassador Chemmy Alcott spoke at the event on behalf of Right To Play and took part in a Q&A alongside Olympic Champions Dame Katherine Grainger and Christine Ohuruoghu.

Chemmy said: “As a Right To Play Ambassador for over ten years I have seen first-hand when the importance and impact of their work when I visited their programmes in Rwanda and Tanzania. They are making a huge difference to the lives of disadvantaged children though the power of sport and play. I am thrilled that Right To Play and the Sports Book Awards have partnered to help raise awareness and support a cause so close to my heart.”

Omar Khan Co-owner of the Sports Book Awards, said: “I’m delighted that Right To Play is the Charity Partner of the 2018 Sports Book Awards. It is gratifying to be able to support and promote Right To Play and the life-changing work they do in helping disadvantaged children in some of the poorest communities around the world. Sports Book Awards shares Right To Play’s belief that sport and play can have a colossal impact on children’s lives and the partnership will go a long way in supporting that message.”

Nikki Skipper, National Director, Right To Play UK said: “As a charity that has sport, play at its core this partnership with the Sports Book Awards is an exciting opportunity for us to raise awareness of our life-changing work. Playing sport gives children joy and is crucial for their intellectual and emotional development. It helps children to realise their potential and builds important life skills.”

These events mark the 16th Sports Book Awards ceremony, which will be held for the sixth consecutive year at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 7 June.

Right To Play is a leading international charity that uses the power of sport and play to educate and empower children in some of the world’s poorest communities. Right To Play reaches nearly two million children every week across Africa, Asia and the Middle East helping them to build critical life skills and better futures while driving social change.

Photo caption: From left to right: Dame Katherine Grainger, Christine Ohuruoghu, Judy Murray and Chemmy Alcott.