Laureus SA Celebrates 10 yrs of Social Good

The objective is to fund and promote sport as a tool for social change. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation's goal is to help young people overcome the limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS.

With backing from Discovery Healthcare the sport for good foundation has funded many sport-based community projects nationwide since its inception improving the lives of 11,000 impoverished children by tackling the social ills affecting these youths.

This mission was inspired by the words of Laureus Patron, Nelson Mandela. At the very first Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco 2000, he said: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

This special event will mark the first decade of work performed by Laureus South Africa and will take the form of a press conference and panel discussion outlining the achievements of the foundation thus far. Its chairman, Springbok rugby legend, Morné du Plessis says “Seeing people from diverse backgrounds joining together for a common good has convinced me that sport truly has the power to change the world.”

The stellar guest list of Laureus South Africa Ambassadors include Paralympic Gold Medallist Natalie du Toit, chairman Morné du Plessis, Cricket ace Shaun Pollock, Paralympian Ernst van Dyk, Soccer star Lucas Radebe, Boxing legend Baby Jake Matlala, Top Endurance Athlete Ryan Sandes, former sportsman and radio personality John Robbie, Paralympic swimmer Achmat Hassiem, Surfer and motivational speaker Chris Bertish as well as actress Vanessa Haywood.

The new Laureus Ambassador for South Africa will be announced as well as the debut of the latest project- The Hout Bay Cycle Club. The Laureus Yes Project will be the highlight of the evening, YES being the Youth Empowerment through Sports Programme, which trains young people to become role models within their communities.

The programme’s first graduates will be presented with certification. A selection of leaders underwent training in Durban and Cape Town. Taking courses in Sports Management and Facilitation, Radio journalism and IT allowing them to go back into their communities to create a critical mass of change Achmat Hassiem will be awarding the certificates.

Wednesday 28 November 

2pm-5pm 

At the South African Sport Science Institute, Cape Town

 

About Laureus International and the South African Sports Science Institute

Laureus comprises the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Founded by South African Johann Rupert in 1990 the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation funds 91 community sports projects globally with a particular emphasis on underprivileged children. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of the Swiss-based luxury-goods company Richemont,  the world's second largest luxury goods group which is also one of the foundations major sponsors.

He co-founded the South African Sports Science Institute with his friends Morné du Plessis and Professor Tim Noakes. For more information about the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, please visit www.laureus.co.za