Mattel Offers Support for International Day of Play

Mattel has joined a coalition of global organizations, including The LEGO Group, Hasbro, Nike, Save the Children and many others, to call on United Nations member states to support an International Day of Play.

The global organizations, along with play experts and children themselves, have pushed for the UN to champion and protect children’s right to play. As a result, the UN General Assembly has voted to adopt the awareness day, and the inaugural celebration will take place on June 11 this year.

“This initiative reaffirms our belief that play is a transformative force for positive change in children’s lives, and Mattel is committed to our philanthropic initiatives to empower generations to reach their full potential and ensure all children have opportunities to play and thrive,” said Nancy Molenda, executive director of the Mattel Children’s Foundation.

Amine, child and youth advisory group member for France, said, “Play is not just for fun. It’s an essential part of our human nature. It’s through play that we learn, grow and develop skills that will shape our future.”

The International Day of Play network of organizations was initiated by The LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, in partnership with Mattel, ADEA, Arup, BRAC, Change X, Concerned for Working Children, Eurochild, Hasbro, INGKA, International Play Association, IRC, KidZania, NIKE, PEDAL, Plan International, Right to Play International, Save the Children and Sesame Workshop.