Benefit Gala

Right To Play (RTP) is an international development organization founded in 2000 by Olympic speed skater Johann Olav Koss. Play is essential for every child’s development. It unlocks endless possibilities—one moment, you’re the world’s greatest footballer, a brave king, or a fearless dancer. Through play, children discover new worlds, learn about themselves, interact with others, and develop emotional resilience. Play brings joy and laughter while helping to momentarily forget worries.

However, for many children, play is not an option due to poverty, war, insecurity, labor, or traumatic experiences. Right To Play recognizes the transformative power of play and uses sports and games to equip children in developing countries and conflict zones with essential life skills and knowledge.

To further its mission and raise funds, RTP has been organizing a benefit gala for years. For the recent edition, Daymakers was brought in to enhance the event conceptually and communicate the message more effectively.

Truly experience

After our first meeting with RTP, it became clear: the power of play is something you have to experience yourself. To fully convey the message, we decided to engage all the senses. This led to the concept “Facing the Sense of Sports.” We designed a program where attendees could feel, hear, and see the power of sports and play from start to finish.

Senses stimulated

The evening was perfect. Guests were welcomed on the mezzanine of the Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam, offering a stunning view of the hall, where long tables and a central stage were surrounded by large video screens. A powerful introduction, featuring a voice reminiscent of Morgan Freeman and supported by compelling text, immediately set the tone and made it clear why everyone was there. The dynamic opening, led by Come Correct, was filled with sports and play elements. Toine van Peperstraten and RTP ambassador Marijn de Vries delivered an inspiring presentation together. Michiel Borstlap gave an intimate piano performance, improvising to footage from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The creative dishes from caterer Hete Peper seamlessly matched the theme. The evening continued with in-depth interviews featuring top athletes and an auction of unique items that drew enthusiastic bids. Lucas Dols, musician and founder of Sounds of Change, demonstrated the power of music, just as he does with children in refugee camps across the Middle East. Youp van ‘t Hek closed the night with a hilarious, specially written column.

And then, silence.

Amid all the sensory experiences, the absolute highlight of the evening was the emotional story of Olympian and RTP ambassador Akwasi Frimpong. The room fell completely silent as he shared his powerful life story: “Sport and play are essential. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They allowed me to be myself, to relax, to forget the world for a moment, and to feel connected.” That the message truly resonated became evident in the unexpectedly high proceeds at the end of the event, far exceeding all expectations. To put it in sports terms: together with RTP, we hit a home run. We look forward to the next edition!

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