The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is doing phenomenal work worldwide, taking action and using sport as a tool for social change.
The Foundation operates programmes to encourage young people to participate in sport and to draw public attention to the problems of underprivileged children.
Headed by inspirational former Springbok captain, Morne du Plessis, the foundation has impacted on the lives of almost 140 000 children, since it launched in October 2002.
The Laureus Friends and Ambassadors include leading South African women in sport, national netball captain Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan, swimming sensation, Natalie du Toit, sports anchor, Cynthia Tshaka, and celebrated mountaineer, Deshun Deysel.
As the Foundation celebrates five years in existence this month, gsport speaks to its chairman, Morne du Plessis, about the work being done by Laureus and the progress being made using sport as a tool for social change.
How long has the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation been in operation?
Since October 2002.
Who funds the Foundation’s work?
Discovery Health and DaimlerChrysler SA.
What is the Foundation’s main focus?
To support social development initiatives. Projects that have a social conscience and uses the power of sport to address those social challenges and initiate social change.
The mission of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is to utilize the power of sport to address social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives, using sport as a tool for social change.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation supports over 40 projects worldwide (including 13 Projects in Africa) which tackle issues such as poverty, homelessness, juvenile violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS. Since its inception, the Foundation has impacted on the lives of almost 140,000 children.
How does someone benefit from playing sport?
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "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. It is more powerful than governments when breaking down racial barriers."
This is what the foundation believes, and this is what we’ve seen happen in our projects. Not only is playing a sport a way of keeping fit and getting healthy physically, it is a way of getting healthy emotionally and spiritually.
We have seen kids with different racial backgrounds and are culturally different play sports together without any issues. It is like when they play the sport they become one, there is no difference. They are a team and have one common goal. Sport really has a way of uniting people. There are projects that have brought children of different religious backgrounds together through the power of sport.
What are the some of the programmes that you run that benefit women?
All the projects we support includes both male and female participants (age range 3 – 17 years old)
What prompted you to get involved with Laureus?
Laureus is composed of three core elements: the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively they celebrate sporting excellence and harness the power of sport to promote social change.
The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique association of 43 of the greatest living sporting legends. The Academy members collectively choose new Academy members based on their history and achievements in sport and we all share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, bring people together and to improve the lives of young people around the world.
Who are some popular South Africans who support Laureus?
Our Friends and Ambassadors are: Natalie du Toit, Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan, Jacques Kallis, Ernst van Dyk, Cynthia Tshaka, Deshun Deysel, John Moeti, John Robbie, Baby Jake Matlala, Frankie Fredericks and Lucas Radebe (Trustee)
How can someone get involved with the Foundation as a volunteer or a sponsor?
If anyone is interested in getting involved with the foundation, either as a volunteer with any of our programmes, or sponsorship they can contact the office at (021 – 659 5665) or email ([email protected]).
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
