Respected former Brazilian footballer Raí was a popular recipient of the Laureus Sport for Good Award as the Laureus World Sports Academy paid tribute to his inspiring work through the Gol de Letra Foundation, a charitable organisation he established with fellow footballer Leonardo Araújo in 1998.
The Gol de Letra Foundation is a non-profit organisation devoted to enriching the lives of socio-economically needy children through a blend of sport, education and culture.
Acknowledged in 2001 by UNESCO as a global model for assisting children and adolescents in a social risk environment, more than 7,000 young people have benefited from the Gol de Letra social and educational activities in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Raí - full name Raí Souza Vieira de Oliveira - is also president of Atletas pela Cidadania (Athletes for Citizenship), comprising more than 50 athletes and former athletes dedicated to improving sport policies in Brazil.
After an emotional Rai received the Laureus Statuette from actress Thandie Newton and Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, at a globally televised Awards Ceremony in London, he said: "I am very happy to be here at the Laureus Awards, which have inspired me a lot. And I'm here especially because I know this award will help me to continue with my work with my team in Brazil."
Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses paid fulsome tribute to Rai’s work. He said: “Rai’s tireless work in campaigning for social justice through sport in some of the most deprived areas of his home country as well as his efforts in achieving a sporting legacy across the whole of Brazil closely reflect many of the values of Laureus and we are delighted to honour him with this Award.”
