Laureus World Sports Academy

The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique association of 46 of the greatest living sporting legends from sports as diverse as football, tennis, athletics, skateboarding and motor racing. All the members of the Academy share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, bring people together and improve the lives of young people around the world.

The Academy has embraced the Laureus principle of using sport to effect positive social change and its members organise and oversee the broad array of community development initiatives funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Academy members regularly visit the numerous projects supported by Laureus. On these occasions, young people come face to face with their sporting heroes. Having these role models present is an uplifting experience for the children.

In addition, the Laureus World Sports Academy is the ultimate sports jury, voting each year to decide the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

To recognise and celebrate outstanding sporting achievement through the Laureus World Sports Awards – presented annually, and voted for by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

To foster the development of sport, around the world, through the development of a social programme – the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

To promote participation in sport across the world, by all people regardless of gender, ethnic background, financial means or physical or mental disability.

To champion sport as a healthy and constructive pursuit for everyone, particularly the world's youth.

To promote sport as a means for international interaction and understanding.

To support and promote sportsmanship and ethical contact in sport.

We believe the greatness of sport lies in its unique ability to empower anyone in the world to cross any barrier, whether personal, political or philosophical.
We believe that sport is a noble, healthy and constructive pursuit which can improve the quality of everyone's life: it's time to champion participation in sport, especially for the young people of the world.

We believe that the best in sport represents the very best in humanity: it's time to stand up for fair play, honest effort, and the joy of taking part.

We believe that everyone in the world should have the chance to enjoy sport: it's time to work for better sporting facilities everywhere in the world.

We believe that sport is great in itself, but that it can help make our world a better place too: we will use sport to help tackle pressing social challenges.

We believe that those who excel in sport have a responsibility to uphold and promote those values, both on and off the field.

I was very honoured to be elected Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy at our first meeting during the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in May 2000. The Academy is an unprecedented group of legendary athletes - some I have known for many years - others are new friends whom I have admired throughout their long and distinguished careers.

As Chairman, I will represent the Academy interacting with the Founding Patrons and taking a very pro-active interest in the activities of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which lies at the heart of the Academy's involvement and participation.

I believe that as individuals we all contribute to society but as a group we can do so much more. It is my intention to inspire the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy to play a strong and active role so that we do not just exist as a list of legendary names on a letterhead. We want to do more.

As Laureus World Sports Academy Members, my colleagues and I have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to sport. We continue to do this, not only through the Laureus World Sports Awards and those who excel, but through our commitment to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which has given us the voice to spread the message of the power of sport, helping those who are most in need. Every member of the Laureus World Sports Academy shares a common belief that sport is a universal language which has the power to speak to all people across the globe, what ever their colour or creed.

We intend to promote and increase participation in sport at every level, and also to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change around the world.

I welcome and look forward to any comments you might have, and you can reach me at edwin.moses@laureus.com.

Sincerely,


Edwin Moses
Chairman
Laureus World Sports Academy