MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH SPORT
Beyond glittering galas sports awards does good
by Karen Guthry
 On 22 May 2001, the second annual Laureus World Sports Awards took place in Monte Carlo. The name Laureus was inspired by the Greek word for laurel — symbol of victory in ancient Greece. Equivalent to the Oscars for famous sports personalities, the night of nights of the sporting world was scheduled between the Cannes International Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Established by DaimlerChrysler and Richemont, the sports project includes the awards, an independent World Sports Academy and a charitable foundation the Laureus Sport for Good foundation. The World Sports Academy recognizes global excellence among the elite of sports. Nominees are chosen by a panel of 300 sports journalists from 79 countries who nominate five names in each category. A panel of 42 current and former sports champions presides the academy and selects the seven final winners. Among this year’s nominees were Marion Jones, Michael Johnson and Venus Williams.
Because the event aims to attract a diverse range of viewers, including non-sports fans, often the line between sports, entertainment and promotion blurs. However, the focus is entertainment. Nelson Mandela, Sylvester Stallone and U2’s Bono were but a few of the celebrities who livened up last year’s show. Among the stars invited to host the awards this year, were Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. Including attention-grabbers such as ice dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts and an appearance by LeAnn Rimes — a country music singer who chanted, “I dream”, Laureus’ new anthem, the show proved to be excellent entertainment value. NBC negotiated a two-year deal to broadcast the two-hour TV event, which was televised in 160 countries.
All profits raised through international TV sales, are destined to the Laureus Sports For Good Foundation. The activities of the foundation are devoted to the underprivileged and supported by the World Sports Academy. Academy members Edwin Moses and Boris Becker are among the prominent representatives who travel the world to raise public awareness about the foundation’s activities. The major goals are fundraising for charitable projects around the world to nurture and encourage young people through sports. Thanks to its involvement with Sports For Good Foundation, the academy has made a significant humanitarian impact. An example of this is the Midnight Basketball League in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The project helps keep kids off the streets and provides counseling and workshops.
Of the seven award categories, the most inspiring is perhaps the World Sportsperson of the Year With a Disability. The disability categories covered by this year’s nominees included cerebral palsy, spinal-cord lesions, spina bifida, polio, intellectual disability, visual impairment and amputations. To qualify for the award nomination, candidates need to demonstrate a continuing commitment to their sports communities as well as athletic excellence.
THE 2001 LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARD WINNERS
WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Tiger Woods (United States), Golf
WORLD SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR: Cathy Freeman (Australia), Athletics
WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR: French Men’s Football Team
WORLD SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY: Vinny Lauwers (Australia), Paraplegic Sailing
WORLD NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Marat Safin (Russia), Tennis
WORLD ALTERNATIVE SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Mike Horn (South Africa), Equator Circumnavigator
WORLD COMEBACK OF THE YEAR: Jennifer Capriati (United States), Tennis
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Steve Redgrave (Britain), Rowing
|  | |
| The purpose of this banner is to raise funds for a new VR community project VRMag will launch in a few months.
| |
