Johann Koss

Johann Koss is an internationally recognized social entrepreneur who has been widely acknowledged for his work in promoting the use of sport and play as a tool for positive childhood development. He founded Right To Play in 2000, dedicating himself to growing it into an influential international non-government organization and a leader in the Sport for Development and Peace movement. Currently, the organization operates in more than 20 countries reaching over one million children each week, and has of 2014 had an annual budget of $48 million. The organization is supported by 650 staff worldwide and 16,000 volunteer Coaches.

Johann has received a number of awards for his philanthropic service and leadership. Most recently, he received the Order of Canada from the Governor General, the order is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Before founding Right To Play, Johann was an Olympic speed skater and is considered to be one of the greatest winter Olympians of all time. In 1994 he made world headlines when he won three gold medals in the Lillehammer Olympic Games, in his home country of Norway.

Holding an undergraduate medical degree from the University of Queensland, and an Executive MBA from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, at the University of Toronto. He has received honorary degrees from Brock University, the University of Calgary, the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, the University of Aust Agder in Norway and most recently the University of Guelph-Humber.