Media Invited to Launch of "Play It Fair!" Toolkit Which Teaches Kids Values of Respect and Inclusion

June 3, 2008 (No. 15) - Korina Houghton, Chair of the Vancouver Park Board will be joined by Ian Hamilton, Executive Director of Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education at the official launch of the national edition of the Play It Fair! Toolkit. Official ceremonies will be followed by a demonstration of the games in the Toolkit.

Thursday, June 5
4:00 pm
Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews
(Pacific Blvd. and Davie St .)
There will be photo opportunities as public officials will join children in
participating in games and activities from the Play It Fair! Toolkit.

The Toolkit uses games adapted for the summer camp environment to promote values such as inclusion, respect and peaceful conflict resolution as well as fighting discrimination. Designed by Equitas and comprised of over 60 interactive activities and games for children aged 6-12, the Toolkit will be integrated into summer day camp programs offered by the Park Board and its community association partners at 23 community centres around the city. The Toolkit will help camp staff and children promote positive values and address issues such as racism, name calling, bullying and exclusion.

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Media contacts:
Booth Palmer, Coordinator, Child & Youth Recreation Services, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation 604-257-8431

Ian Hamilton, Executive Director, Equitas
514-808-4671 ext 34

Play It Fair! was initiated in collaboration with the City of Montreal in 2004. Thanks to the TD Bank Financial Group, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and Canadian Heritage, in 2006 the program was expanded to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Dieppe, Fredericton and Moncton. To view or print a free electronic copy of the Play It Fair! Toolkit, please visit: www.equitas.org/toolkit

www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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