A practical example of Richemont's commitment to support the broader community is its involvement in the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Laureus was launched jointly by Richemont and DaimlerChrysler in 2000 as a means of recognising the talents of the world's leading sportsmen and women. Each year, at a gala ceremony broadcast to over 185 countries, Laureus World Sports Awards are presented to those athletes who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in the world of sports.
Linked to these awards is the Laureus World Sports Academy, whose 40 members are a roll-call of the world's elite athletes. Led by Edwin Moses, Chairman, together with Nawal El Moutawakel and Boris Becker, Vice Chairpersons, the Academy seeks to harness the power of sport to bring about social change around the world. Funded through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, particular emphasis has been placed on selecting projects which allow children in some of the world's poorest and most deprived communities to come together and benefit from the sense of purpose and comradeship that sport can offer.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation supports projects in 20 countries around the world, helping over 130 000 children and young people. The global foundation, based in London, supports 16 projects addressing such issues as AIDS, landmines and environmental awareness. In addition, six national foundations have been established, which collectively support 21 projects in Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa and the United States.
Projects range from Project Sozo in South Africa's Western Cape region, which is aimed at addressing the social problems of crime, gangsterism and drug abuse, to the Foundation's involvement with the Special Olympics Unified Sports Programme in China, which brings together handicapped athletes with their peers without disabilities for training and friendly competition. The programme, which is active in 24 major cities across China, helps break down social taboos and promotes the integration of disabled children into the community.
In Mendoza, Argentina, the West City project aids more than 400 children in a family-like club. In addition to sports training, the project teaches the importance of fitness, a healthy diet and study. As well as equipping the children with useful practical skills, the project encourages teamwork, friendship and discipline. Sport and recreation are also important incentives to the children of the slums of Mumbai, where the Magic Bus project creates classrooms without walls and runs sports sessions across the city.
The ethos of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is underpinned by the words of Nelson Mandela: "Sport has the power to change the world".
Print
Mail to
Bookmark