How does a boxing bag end discrimination?

It’s the sort of question people around the world are asking themselves following the launch of Laureus Everyone Wins.

Using a series of commissioned artwork and video, Laureus presents a challenge to audiences to consider how everyday sporting items, such as footballs, surfboards or hockey sticks, could help tackle some of the challenges facing young people around the world.

The answer to each of the challenging questions is in how Laureus Sport for Good supports more than 250 sports programmes in over 40 countries around the world to help improve the lives of young people through every day sporting activities which are adapted to tackle social issues and injustice.  

On one level they can win on the playing field and in the sports hall against sporting rivals; but they can also beat other opponents in their daily life, such as violence, discrimination and disadvantage….#EveryoneWins.

Those who see these striking images have the chance to connect with Laureus and make their own personal contribution to its work.

#EveryoneWins is backed by the 71 members of the Laureus Academy and more than 200 Laureus Ambassadors around the world – all world-famous sports stars, past and present.

Four-time Overall World Cup champion and the greatest women’s Alpine skier in history, Laureus Academy Member Lindsey Vonn, said: “In a ski race, there can only be one winner, but when we use sport to help young people tackle social issues, I truly believe that Everyone Wins.”

Portuguese football legend and former World and European Footballer of the Year Luis Figo said: “Everyone Wins gives us a platform to celebrate the real success in sport. In the professional game, there are winners and losers, but when young people use football to tackle discrimination and poverty, Everyone Wins.”

And if you’re curious about the surfboard above, the answer lies at the Laureus supported ‘Waves for Change’ programme in South Africa, which uses surfing to help bring together vulnerable and differently-abled youth away from the day to day violence to which many are exposed and harmed. Waves for Change provides access to safe spaces with caring mentors using surf therapy to engage young people and provide tailored mental health support.

Programmes supported by Laureus, such as Waves for Change have seen more than six million young people improve their lives since Laureus was created in 2000. Everyone Wins will help drive even more engagement and fundraising and ensure a greater understanding and appreciation of how sport can help change young lives.