RIGHT TO PLAY LIBERIA - DAY 3

Over the past three days we've seen and done more than a few paragraphs can possibly describe. We visited schools and playgrounds in the villages of Westpoint, Chicken Soup Factory, Claratown, and Kakata among others. The day trips provided us an opportunity to really interact with the kids, be with them in their environments, and play the specially designed RTP games and activities with them. The educational activities aim to provide health lessons, teach solutions for conflict resolution, develop life skills and be really fun and engaging for a large group. The games are really similar to ones Canadian kids might remember playing; "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes", and singing kindergarten songs about washing your hands were fundamental aspects of our development, and incorporating those games into the lives of children in the most disadvantaged places on Earth improves and saves lives. In only 8 months, 20 000 Liberian children have gone through the RTP program, their laughter and enthusiasm has been so inspiring for us to witness.

Last night on our way back from the field we passed a dirt soccer pitch, next to a garbage pit. We pulled over and within minutes a full game of pickup was on. Yellow RTP shirts vs. locals! They played barefoot or in flipflop sandals, on the broken glass and sharp stones... still beating us 2-1. We even had Kei Kamara, a professional footballer on our team... needless to say he was usually triple teamed.

We fly home tomorrow night, enlightened and exhausted. I speak for the whole team when I say this has been a life changing experience. Pictured above in yellow from left to right, Mo Farah (GBR), myself, and Chiel Warners (NED) amidst local RTP coaches, coach trainers and happy Liberian children.