Play Champions

We are launching a new program coinciding with World Children’s Day on November 20th. Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which it ratified in 1991. Much work remains to be done in Canada and internationally to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect.

The  Play Champions program recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary leadership in the provision of play orientated initiatives and contribute to quality, self-directed play for children and youth. It extends throughout the calendar year.

The stories of those honoured as Play Champions will help serve as a reminder of the value and importance of play in children’s lives. They will also shine a light on the good work being done to promote, program and protect the right to play as embodied in UNCRC’s Article 31.

For detailed Play Champions information download the program summary and the application/nomination.

Eligibility

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Be a Canadian citizen or organization that focuses on the rights/opportunities for children and youth to experience high quality play.

Adopting or supporting the IPAC Declaration Of Play or the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 principles in delivering play initiatives and/or by

Utilize these play related documents to plan, review services or policies to improve the quality of play for children and youth in local regions or across Canada.

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Be a Canadian citizen or organization that focuses on the rights/opportunities for children and youth to experience high quality play.

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Adopting or supporting the IPAC Declaration Of Play or the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 principles in delivering play initiatives and/or by

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Utilize these play related documents to plan, review services or policies to improve the quality of play for children and youth in local regions or across Canada.

Our Play Champions

Colleen Mooney (2026)

The International Play Association of Canada (IPAC), Play Champions Program, recognized Colleen Mooney for her outstanding work with the University of Alberta, Play Around the World Program(PAW) as a student and volunteer on the advisory committee as well as her many other contributions to play work for children and youth in Canada and abroad. This PAW program has helped to educate young adults in Canada on the importance of play and set them up to be the future great educators and potentially knowledgeable parents on learning and child development.

IPAC honoured her as a Play Champion and leader in Canada for the following contributions to the categories of: Environments Designed for Children; Safety and Play; Children with Diverse Needs; and Education (i.e. Schools, Boards, Ministries).

Colleen’s invaluable support to the PAW program for 25 years, first as a student in 2001 and then she continued her involvement to assist the program through the entire 25 years of the program. In addition, her service to the community at large and strong commitment to the rights of the child; whether it be building unstructured play environments, conducting safety sessions and how to support children of all abilities has been impactful.

Giant Steps School (2026)

The Giant Steps School was recognized and designated as an International Play Association of Canada, Play Champion in 2026. The Giant Steps School community includes autistic students aged 4 to 21 in our preschool, primary, and secondary programs. The school’s approach is highly individualized, intensive, interdisciplinary, and holistic—recognizing play as a vital part of learning, development, and social connection for students of all ages.

The Declaration on the Right to Play for Children in Canada affirms that every child has the right to safe, inclusive, and meaningful play, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance. Giant Steps School’s programs directly support and uphold this right in several important ways actively fulfilling the Declaration’s vision by creating inclusive,supportive, and developmentally appropriate opportunities for autistic children and youth to play, learn, and thrive.

Giant Steps School for IPAC Play Champions is an organizations in Canada programming in the following categories or areas:

  • Environments Designed for Children
  • Children with Diverse Needs
  • Education (i.e. Schools, boards, ministries)

The School playwork fits the above 3 categories; however, the main category is: Environments Designed for Children. The specialized center serves students who are very sensitive to their sensory environment. The layout of spaces, the way light and sound are treated, and the materials used were all carefully considered—with input from autism specialists—to create calm, safe, and supportive areas for learning and play.

Mary Ann Rintoul (2025)

The International Play Association of Canada (IPAC), Play Champions Program, recognized Mary Ann Rintoul in 2025 for her outstanding work with the University of Alberta, Play Around the World Program(PAW) as well as her many other contributions to play work for children and youth in Canada and abroad. This PAW program has helped to educate young adults in Canada on the importance of play and set them up to be the future great educators and potentially knowledgeable parents on learning and child development.

IPAC was honoured to recognize her as a Play Champion and leader in Canada for the following contributions to the categories of: Child Development through Play; Children with Diverse Needs; Play Leadership; and Education (i.e. Schools, Boards, Ministries).

Mary Ann’s contributions and legacy work as well as leadership continues to promote the rights of children and youth in Canada by the many young adults you have educated through the program. In addition, her service to the community at large has also been notable and of a very high quality whether it be a pop up play program, service with IPAC Board of Directors or helping to host the 2017 IPA World Conference.

Pierre Harrison (2024)

It is with great pleasure that the International Play Association of Canada names Pierre Harrison as the inaugural recipient of a Play Champion award.

Pierre Harrison is the founder of PLAYLearnThink launched in 2003. The social enterprise advocates for play by providing Adventure PlayDays in schools and community spaces as well as training for adults to further their understanding of play and by supporting municipalities and organizations on their journey of play provision. Harrison believes that play is the fundamental element necessary to create a sound foundation on which to build a healthy, fulfilling life. Observe any child or group of children completely engaged in play and you will see what we mean.

Harrison has been involved in formal and non-formal learning since 1985 and has worked at various education centres in North America and Europe. Pierre first became involved with IPA Canada in 2005. He has led numerous projects during that time, represented the organization in a variety of venues, served as President for several years and most recently as Past President until September of 2021.

Pierre Harrison can be reached at pierre@playlearnthink.com.

 

We acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples across Canada. We honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have cared for these lands for generations and remain committed to learning from and working towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities.