Elana Meyer named Laureus Ambassador as sports stars take on charity walk in Johannesburg
July 31, 2013
We are delighted to announce world-famous runner Elana Meyer has become the newest charity Ambassador of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Elana’s story is one of triumph against the odds, and we look forward to children from Laureus sports projects benefiting from her inspirational life.
The South African runner, who won silver in the 10,000 metres at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, was welcomed as a Laureus Ambassador at last weekend’s Discovery 702 Walk the Talk event in Johannesburg. One of the largest mass-participation events in the world, the walk raised funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in South Africa.
Alongside 55,000 walkers, Elana took part alongside fellow Laureus Academy Members and Ambassadors including Morné du Plessis, Lucas Radebe, Desiree Ellis and Paralympic and Olympic swimmer Natalie du Toit.
Elana’s career boasts a string of long distance records.
And she achieved all this after great adversity in her early life.
At just 18 months Elana was nearly killed when she fell under the wheels of a moving vehicle. Looking back on this, she said: “This has had a profound influence on how I live my life. I realise life is a precious gift and live every day to the fullest. That is why I am so happy to be able to support Laureus.”
Former South Africa football captain Lucas Radebe said: “I would like to give a big welcome to Elana as she joins the Laureus Family. It is fitting that her first event as a Laureus Ambassador should be today’s Walk the Talk at Marks Park; an event that inspires both giving back, and living a healthy and fit lifestyle.
“Elana is passionate about her sport and I know she will be passionate about the work she does for Laureus to help disadvantaged young people all over South Africa.”
Morné du Plessis, Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, added: “This has been a wonderful day. It is a terrific event which brings the whole of Johannesburg together. I would like to thank all the Laureus Ambassadors, past and of course present, through Elana, for their invaluable support. The money we have raised today will do so much good.”
This year the funds raised from the walk will go to the Laureus-supported projects Johannesburg Cubs, Soweto Schools Rugby, Sport for All and Fight with Insight, all of whom will be participating in the Walk as well as hosting an exhibition of their project activities.
