Hasanga, crosses the winning line as Morné du Plessis presents IWC/Laureus watch design

The exhilarating joy of sport Is captured in the imaginative design produced by a 12-year-old Sri Lankan boy which has been engraved on the back of a limited edition IWC Schaffhausen watch. A defined percentage of the earnings of the limited Edition are invested in the support of Laureus Projects.

Hakkini Hasanga Sandumal De Silva was one of hundreds of young people from Laureus- supported community projects around the world who entered a unique competition to have their drawing chosen for the 2013 IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation timepiece.

The subject of this year’s competition – ‘Time to move’ - encouraged Hasanga to create his design showing a runner crossing the finishing line and throwing up his arms in jubilation.

The jury voted his entry the winner and Hasanga received his reward when South African rugby legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Member Morné du Plessis visited the Foundation of Goodness project in Seenigama, Sri Lanka, which Hasanga attends, to congratulate him and hand over his prize.

Hasanga lives with his father and mother and two elder brothers in Thiranagama and attends Devananda College Ambalangoda. He joined the Foundation of Goodness Sports Academy in 2011 and his favourite sport is swimming. He said: “I would like to thank the Foundation of Goodness and Laureus for giving me the opportunity to take part in this competition.”

Morné du Plessis said: “Being able to meet young Hasanga at Seenigama and give him his prize was a very special moment for me. You could see the delight in his eyes and the pride in what he has achieved. It’s wonderful to think that young people like him from Laureus projects around the world have all come together to make this contribution. It is a perfect example of how Laureus can give opportunities to young people that they would not normally get. I would also like to thank IWC Schaffhausen for their support in this splendid initiative.”

The Foundation of Goodness project was created in Seenigama with the support of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami of December 2004, which devastated the area around Galle in Sri Lanka. The project used sport to rebuild community spirit following the disaster.

Hasanga’s winning design is engraved on the back of the special edition watch. The engraving is a reminder that a portion of the proceeds from sales is destined to help Laureus Sport for Good Foundation projects in some of the world’s most problematic regions. Hasanga received a laptop as his prize and there was a donation to the project.

In a tradition that goes back to 2006, it is the seventh time IWC Schaffhausen has created a limited special edition watch for the benefit of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. “As a successful international watch  manufacturer, it is IWC’s self-conception to take social responsibility. Since the beginning of the partnership and as an expression of IWC’s support for the invaluable work of Laureus, IWC has been launching a limited edition watch every year .We are proud to present another watch that mirrors the passion of Laureus and the powerful effect sport can add to all our lives,” said Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The engraving is a reminder that a portion of the proceeds from sales will help disadvantaged children around the world.”