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By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Adam van Koeverden could easily bespending the afternoon demonstrat-ing to the students of New Central Public School how he powers a kayak through the water faster than just about any- one in the world. Instead, he is standing with five students, each of them holding hands with the people across from them, creating a massive tangle of arms. One by one, they work to unravel their arms. Within a minute or two, they are standing in a circle holding hands with the person next to them, having never let go of each other. Van Koeverden then sends the students off to teach the game to their classmates. Its a game that Right to Play has taught to more a million children worldwide. The Right to Play organization helps create social change in communities affected by war and poverty through games and sport. More than simply giving children an opportunity to kick a ball around, though, Right to Plays programs teach hygiene, disease prevention, conflict resolution and cooperation. Van Koeverden has been an athlete ambassador for Right to Play since 2004 and it was his involvement with the organization, and a chance meeting with New Central principal Merrill Mathews, that brought three-time Olympic gold medalist to the school Monday. Mathews and van Koeverden were having breakfast in the same restaurant during the summer. Mathews approached the Olympian and told him about his own interest in Right to Play and asked if van Koeverden would come to the school to speak. Mathews based the schools three pillars be good to your- self and others, do your best and get involved on Right to Plays philosophy. Having Adam here helps kids make that connection. The conversation becomes more real, Mathews said. Theyll go home and when theyre asked about what they did in school, they can talk about this. Its some- thing to get the conversation started. Van Koeverden has started the conversa- tion among his fellow competitors. At the 2007 worlds, van Koeverden raced in a kayak with Right to Plays logo as the focal point. The goal was to spark some interest in philanthropy, van Koeverden said. Tim Brabants, a doctor and a gold medal- ist at the Beijing Olympics, inquired about the organization and soon after signed on as an athlete ambassador. SportsOakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 201040 Olympic champion teaches kids about Right to Play LETS PLAY: Olympic champion kayaker Adam van Koeverden directs New Central Public School students through a game of elephant ball Monday at the school. Van Koeverden visited New Central to tell students about Right to Play, an organization that creates social change in communities affected by war and poverty through games and sport. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER See Trip page 41