Austria's second Laureus Sport for Good project

We are very excited to be announcing the second Laureus-supported project to be based in Austria.

One of the world’s greatest ever footballers, Laureus Academy Member Franz Beckenbauer, was at the ‘Sportfreunde’ project for the announcement last week along with fellow Academy Member Franz Klammer.

Beckenbauer, who was also named patron of the project, said: "I am very pleased to be able to support ‘Sportfreunde’. This project helps socially disadvantaged children and young people from difficult family circumstances and offers them a port of call. "

Beckenbauer and Klammer were also joined by Felix Gottwald in Abtenau, Austria during a camp week for the young project members.

‘Sportfreunde’ provides 60 disadvantaged young people aged ten to 14 years from Salzburg the opportunity to participate in sporting activities while learning valuable social skills.

The participants of the project  choose a sport to play each week under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Sports offered include football, dancing, boxing and climbing.

But understanding how key sport can be as a tool for peace and development, the story doesn’t end with just competition. The youngsters are also supported by social workers to help in the development of personal skills, which is having an impact on even the academic success of the participants.