Rosberg and Capello joined by Olympic heroes at Laureus fundraiser in Italy
Mrecedes AMG Petronas driver and Laureus Ambassador Nico Rosberg was guest of honour at the Laureus Formula One Charity Night in Milan, which raised over €350,000. Profits from the event will fund Laureus Sport for Good in Italy.
World-famous football coach and Laureus Ambassador Fabio Capello was also present at the event, and was joined by fellow Laureus Ambassadors, Rio 2016 Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Fabian Cancellara and Denver Nuggets basketball player Danilo Gallinari.
During the evening, a host of Italian sporting personalities were also announced as Laureus Sport for Good Ambassadors including Rio 2016 Olympic medal winning fencers Andrea Cassarà and Rossella Fiamingo and silver medal-winning rower Giuseppe Vicino. Also announced as new members of the Laureus Family were softball star Alice Ronchetti, basketball player Riccardo Pittis, speed skater Arianna Fontana and sports journalist Pier Luigi Pardo.
Auction items were also donated by Mercedes-Benz Italy which has decided to offer a further contribution, donating an amount equal to the one generated by the auction of the rare smartFORstar vehicle to support victims of the tragic earthquake which recently hit central Italy.
Laureus Ambassador Nico Rosberg: “I’m passionate about the work Laureus is doing both around the world and here in Italy. I am very attached to this country and my thoughts go to the victims of the terrible earthquake which hit Italy in recent days. Sport is the driver of the Laureus initiatives and we will strive to use the power of sport to instil hope in the areas where the earthquake has created grief and despair.”
Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick: “Events like this are vital in supporting the work Laureus Sport for Good does to help young Italians through sport. The fundraiser always brings together an amazing collection of sports stars and legends ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.”
Laureus Ambassador Fabio Capello: “Having seen first-hand the power sport can have to change lives for the better, it is special for me to be here to support the work Laureus does in Italy. I learnt so much through sport and it’s an honour for me to have an opportunity to give something back through Laureus.”
The event was sponsored by Gruppo Ospedaliero San Donato, Ferrari Trento and Hr Community Academy. There was also support from Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen, Laureus Sport for Good Global Partners.
