Tanni Grey-Thompson becomes Vice-Chair of Laureus Academy
Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson has been elected Vice-Chair of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
Tanni, who will support Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick, said: “I am really looking forward to working with Sean and the entire Laureus Family to use the power of sport to make a difference to the lives of young people around the world. Sport changed my life in the most remarkable way and it can have an effect on anyone. That is the message I want to spread around the world.
“The Laureus Academy is a remarkable group of sportsmen and women who have all made a pledge to help disadvantaged young people and it is an honour to be able to serve them as Vice-Chair.”
Born with spina bifida, Tanni began wheelchair racing at 13, becoming one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation. She won 11 gold, three silver and a bronze medal over 16 years and five Paralympic Games and won the London Marathon six times.
In 2010 she was created Baroness Grey-Thompson for her services to sport and sits in the British House of Lords, but is not aligned to any political party. She is also Chair of the Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation Commission on the future of women's sport in the United Kingdom.
Sean Fitzpatrick said: “Tanni was one of the most admired athletes in the world for her determination and her will to win on the track, against all the odds. She had an amazing career as a Paralympic athlete and she has continued to contribute in a massive way to sport since she retired from competition. She has always been a passionate Academy Member and I am delighted that she will be working with me to help Laureus expand its reach and its commitment over the next few years.”
Laureus Academy Members volunteer their services as global ambassadors for Laureus Sport for Good, which was set up to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change. Laureus Sport for Good addresses social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives. Since its inception, Laureus has raised over €100 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of millions of young people.
