Mercedes-Benz USA boosts support of at-risk youth with $10.5 Million grant to Laureus USA
Today Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) joined forces with the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) to advance the fight against this childhood obesity. At PHA’s 2015 Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, D.C., the automaker announced a $10.5 million grant to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA.
MBUSA has been a supporter of Laureus USA since 2012, and together the two have played a huge role in the emergence of the U.S. sport for at-risk youth movement. The joint effort has encouraged and supported in-school and after-school programs that increase youth activity to fight obesity and teach good coaching and sportsmanship. MBUSA’s support has reached over 140,000 kids in 30 cities to date. Its new grant will cover increased efforts and initiatives geared towards youth through 2017, impacting 125,000 kids annually in 25 cities.
“Investing in our youth and giving back to our local communities are integral to the culture at Mercedes-Benz USA,” said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. “Our ongoing collaboration and commitment to Laureus USA combines our passion for community and sports in a way that is making an impact. We look forward to continuing helping kids across the country build heathier futures.”
Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses joined Cannon at the funding announcement during the Building a Healthier Future Summit. The Summit is one of the nation’s premiere gatherings of health experts, policy makers and business and industry leaders committed to ending childhood obesity.
“The Laureus USA family and organization as a whole is honored and humbled to receive an incredibly generous grant from our dedicated and long-time supporter, MBUSA,” said Moses. “These funds will help continue our efforts to build and support sustainable, resilient organizations that can impact the health, education and social outcomes of children nationwide.”
Moses was joined at the summit by Laureus Ambassador and NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. As a Laureus spokesman, Mourning supports and promotes Laureus USA’s work around the world.
