Polycom is using video communication technologies to bring Olympic Athletes and Rwandan children together as part of its work with humanitarian organisation Right To Play.
Athletes will head to Polycom’s London Executive Experience Center (EEC) on August 2 to conduct face-to-face live video conversations with the children.
Athletes such as Canadian cyclist Clara Hughes, an Olympic gold medallist, will be talking to children affected by war, poverty, and disease to share their passion for sport in an effort to serve as an inspiration for children in challenging surroundings.
"Besides just the enjoyment sports can give, and even the distraction it can provide in areas that are marked by war and other adverse conditions, sports can help develop leadership skills and teamwork," said Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play founder and a four-time Olympic gold medallist.
"We use the power of sports and play to change the lives of children around the world, and our partnership with Polycom will enable us to reach even more children through the use of video collaboration. In addition to the strong partnership we announced earlier this year, Right To Play and Polycom will help spread the spirit of this summer of sports across the world, and create a real and meaningful impact for children who will have a chance to speak with elite athletes."
"Video collaboration significantly amplifies the impact of Right To Play programmes and provides an option that simply didn’t exist before," added Gary Rider, president EMEA, Polycom.
Polycom and Right To Play will also host an ‘Opening Ceremony Celebration’ in London on July 27 to kick-start the summer activities planned. Skeleton-sledging champions and Athlete Ambassadors Shelly Rudman and Kristian Bromley will be attending the event and will host a silent auction in support of the cause.
Furthermore, Polycom will facilitate exclusive live events at its London EEC for individual Right To Play supporters.