About Laureus

ABOUT LAUREUS

Laureus combines Laureus Sport for Good, the Laureus World Sports Academy and the Laureus World Sports Awards to form a unique organisation that uses the power of sport to change the world.


Laureus is a global organisation that celebrates sporting excellence and uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people.
Our first Patron of Laureus was Nelson Mandela. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, he made his famous speech about sport having the power to change the world. From that day, President Mandela’s powerful vision has become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work.

“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 in breaking down racial barriers.”

NELSON MANDELA

There are three distinct elements to the Laureus family and all three work together to help Laureus Sport for Good achieve its charitable aims.
Laureus Sport for Good is the separate charitable arm of the Laureus family which is established for the charitable purposes which are set out in more detail on the Sport for Good page and overseen by a Board of trustees. 
Laureus World Sports Awards is the organisation that focusses each year on running the World Sports Awards event along with other events, activities and sponsorship opportunities.
The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique association of more than 60 of the greatest living sporting legends from sports as diverse as football, tennis, athletics, skateboarding and motor racing. All members of the Academy share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, bring people together and improve the lives of young people around the world.   The Academy is also the ultimate sports jury, voting each year to decide the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

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