Laureus Ambassador wins role-model award and donates prize funds to Sport for Good Foundation

December 19

Laureus Ambassador Ole Bischof, the World and Olympic judo champion, has been awarded the ‘Sparkasse sport role-model prize’.

Given to honour Ole’s incredible sports achievements and wider social work commitments, the prize included a cheque for €40,000. And in an incredible gesture of generosity, the Judoka has chosen to donate the funds to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Speaking of the 2008 Olympic gold medallist in and 2012 silver medallist, president of Sparkasse, a German bank company, Georg Fahrenschon, said: "Olympic medals can inspire the entire nation. Ole Bischof has won them twice, and along with his medals at World and European Championships he is the most successful German judoka our time. His sporting achievements, his appreciative attitude towards his competitors in the Olympic finals, and his commitment to young student athletes are all things that have the power to move people and motivate young athletes to emulate him.”

Away from his sporting career, Bishof has graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Cologne.

The prize comes just weeks after the announcement of Ole’s retirement from competitive sport, who is looking forward to further offering his experience to young people.

The Sparkasse sport role-model prize has been awarded for 20 years. Previous winners include Ole’s Laureus Ambassador colleague Verena Bentele.