Below is the 1st iteration of the Play it Forward welcoming message and pledge.
I encourage you to use this at your event while on the field and prior to participants playing their 20 min 15 sec of soccer.
Announcer:
Welcome to our Play it Forward campaign.
Imagine in your mind playing with others in different regions to celebrate women in sport.
To start – let us practice our cheer to celebrate women in sport!
Ok that was good but you can do better. CHEER LOUDER.
Ok that was good but one more time as though you want Canada, on the other side of the world, to hear you too!
FANTASTIC JOB EVERYONE!
We unite with 1000 girls and boys, men and women who will play in cities in Canada, Australia, Mali, Africa, Brazil, and Costa Rica.
Introducing Ms. _______________ who will lead the pledge.
Thank you _________________. I am honoured to lead the pledge.
IN ENGLISH: Before we start, today is important because we are playing 20 minutes and 15 seconds of soccer to recognize 2015 The Year of Women in Sport.
IN ENGLISH: And we play soccer to send a message to the world to be kind and to end violence , especially the kind of violence that hurts girls and women.
Can I hear a cheer to end violence and bring peace?? Louder?? Louder?? Very good
Now comes the pledge
you will repeat after me
Before I play today
I think of a girl or woman who needs my support
As I hold them in my heart,
I commit to give my support freely to them.
When I play today
I pledge to do my best, and be fair and kind to all
After I play today
I commit to help my fellow man and woman as I would help myself
I pledge my mind, body and spirit to
building a peaceful and just community, nation and world
Ok now everyone a big loud cheer for women in sport!!