Daimler chief signs up to support Laureus project in NY
In his role as Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dr. Dieter Zetsche knows all about running a major international business operation. But he also believes in the importance of having a social conscience, which is why he found himself in New York last week spending time at a Laureus-supported project in a charter school in Brooklyn.
Dr. Zetsche, who a few days before had celebrated Lewis Hamilton’s second straight Formula One world title in a Mercedes AMG Petronas car at the US Grand Prix, joined young people at the school, along with their coaches and leaders, to learn how they are overcoming obstacles in their lives through sport.
This visit is one of a number being made by the members of the Daimler Board of Management, who are each adopting a specific Laureus project.
Dr. Zetsche joined Steve Cannon, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, and leadership and coaches from Up2Us Sports at the Urban Dove Team Charter School. Urban Dove’s approach to a school system is a localized program to encourage young people not to drop out of school.
Dr. Zetsche and the other guests were able to tour the school, engage with students and interact together through various sporting activities. They experienced life in the classroom and spoke with students about what they were learning in American History class. Then went to the weight room where they were able to join in on some weightlifting activities followed by a sport session at the gym to play some football, lacrosse, rowing, and basketball. Dr. Zetsche practiced his lacrosse skills with Coach Richie, an energetic coach from Harlem Lacrosse who usually spends his time teaching youth life skills through the sport.
“Life is a contact sport. Many things happen to you – you have to prepare your mind, and sport is a valuable tool for doing that. Your coaches are here to help you grow into the person you will become,” said Laureus Chairman Edwin Moses.
To show the strength of its commitment to Laureus, each member of the Daimler Board of Management is now becoming the individual patron of a project around the world.
Daimler is a Founding Patron of Laureus and Mercedes-Benz is a Global Partner, supporting the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation around the world. Thanks to their support, Laureus has raised €85 million for projects that have helped to improve the lives of millions of young people. Currently Laureus supports more than 150 projects in 35 countries.
