Laureus Rugby Legends Laud Spirit Of Japanese Rugby Fans and Celebrate Laureus Sport For Good In Jap
Laureus rugby legends Sean Fitzpatrick, Bryan Habana and Schalk Brits have praised the nation of Japan for their spirit, passion for sport and stunning hospitality at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The rugby stars encouraged the nation to continue to embrace sport and discussed Laureus Sport for Good’s intention to help more sport for development organisations in the country.
Speaking at a Laureus media event in the Mercedes me cafe in Roppongi, Sean, Bryan and Schalk were joined by former Japan captain Takuro Miuchi and Japan scrum half Fumiaki Tanaka as they discussed the main talking points from the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The legends of the game also reflected on the 1995 Rugby World Cup, an event both Sean and Bryan were a part of and one which truly reflected the power sport can have in bringing people together.
Laureus Academy Chairman Sean also announced Laureus Sport for Good’s intention to support more sport for development organisations throughout the country in the coming months and years. Building on the enthusiasm for sport in Japan created by the Rugby World Cup and looking ahead to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Laureus Sport for Good is looking to expand the sport for development sector in Japan and speak with organisations who are using sport to achieve social change in their own communities.
Yesterday, Sean was joined by Laureus Ambassadors Nolli Waterman and Ai Sugiyama as they spent time at a special visit that united two Laureus programmes through the power of rugby. Laureus supports Special Olympics Nippon Tokyo to promote social inclusion and empower young women and girls using sport. During the session, Special Olympics athletes were introduced to rugby by leaders from ChildFund Pass it Back, another programme Laureus supports in Asia. The session was proof of the power of partnerships within the Sport for Development sector, and a clear example of sport’s ability to unite and inspire young people.
In celebration of a milestone 20th anniversary, Laureus have launched the #SportUnitesUs campaign. From sports stars to sports fans and the young people in Laureus Sport for Good programmes around the world: Sport Unites Us. The 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards will celebrate 20 years of Laureus. 20 years of using sport to change the world. 20 years of celebrating the biggest names in sport. Of sports stars supporting our vision to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. And 20 years of us, together, changing lives.
