February 8, 2010 (Madison, Wisconsin) – The Madison Winter Festival is pleased to announce that over $20,000 has been donated to the worldwide humanitarian organization Right To Play. The Madison Winter Festival organized a fundraising dinner which was inspired by a $10,000 matching grant from local attorney, business owner and Madison Winter Festival sponsor Donald Becker.

The Madison Winter Festival is a weekend of winter celebration established in 2004 to promote fun and healthy lifestyles during winter by showcasing snow sports, festive recreational activities and opportunities to participate for everyone including kids from underprivileged families and individuals with mobility limitations. This year’s Madison Winter Festival is set for February 20-21, 2010.

“After hearing about the international humanitarian efforts of Right To Play, I was sure the local Nordic community would be supportive. I am overwhelmed. Thousands of children worldwide will benefit from our efforts” – commented Don Becker.

Beckie Scott, the first North American Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing came to represent Right To Play and support this fundraising effort. “My trip and experiences in Madison were nothing short of amazing. I was so moved and inspired by the warmth of the reception I received, and the generosity of everyone I encountered. I love speaking about Right To Play and the incredible work the organization is doing, and to leave Madison knowing so many people were inspired to care and extend compassion and hope to children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world is a great feeling. Thank you Madison!!” – said Beckie Scott, 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist.

Link to the fundraiser slideshow: here

About Right To Play
Right To Play is an athlete-based international humanitarian organization that emphasizes play and games to aid the development of children and youth in underprivileged areas of the world. The organization was founded by Norwegian speed skating star and four time Olympic champion Johann Olav Koss.

Right To Play programs are currently in 23 countries: Azerbaijan, Benin, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and Zambia.

Right To Play uses play and games as a way to teach children about teamwork, fair play, conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication, commitment, respect, and integrity. Right To Play is committed to improving the lives of children and strengthening their communities by translating the best practices of sport and play into opportunities to promote development, health and peace.

About Beckie Scott
Scott was born in Vegreville, Alberta, and grew up in Vermilion, Alberta. She began cross-country skiing at the age of five. She entered her first competition at age seven, and attended the Junior National Championships in 1988. She went on to win seventeen World Cup medals in sprint, individual, and relay cross-country skiing events.

Scott is a three-time Olympian, participating at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. Her best placed finish in Nagano was 45th, but Scott won a gold medal in cross-country skiing at the Salt Lake City games and a silver medal at the Torino games. Scott became the first Canadian and first North American woman to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing.