Right To Play is delighted to announce legendary British athlete Derek Redmond as a new Ambassador.

Derek Redmond enjoyed a long and successful athletics career during the 1980s and 1990s which saw him break the British 400m record twice. He was a prominent member of the British 4 x 400 Derek Redmond_1.jpgmetre relay squad that took gold at the 1991 World Championships, the 1986 European Championships and the Commonwealth Games of the same year.

"I am really excited to become an Ambassador of Right To Play", says Derek. "Sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and has shaped who I am as a person today. Using sports, games and play as a tool is a really unique and powerful way to teach disadvantaged children and young people important skills to give them a brighter future. I am fully behind Right To Play's vital work and look forward to helping them reach even more children through the power of sport and play in the future."

Derek is perhaps best remembered for an incident during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics 400m semi-final, voted one of the greatest moments in Olympic history, where Derek unfortunately tore a hamstring on the back straight but picked himself up to somehow finish the race with the help of his father.

"Derek has shown incredible humility and perseverance during his career and summed up the power of the human spirit during his famous Barcelona race", says Meryl Davies, National Director of Right To Play UK. "The children we work with also have to show that same spirit and determination to simply attend school in many cases. Derek truly understands the importance of our work and the importance of sport and play in reaching children and giving them a better chance in life. We are proud to have his support and look forward to working with Derek to make a difference to children's lives."

Derek joins an international team of more than 300 Ambassadors. As role models, these athletes inspire children and celebrate their successes. They help raise awareness about Right To Play by lending their voice to the cause.