England and United States Stars Meet Kids from Laureus Sport for Good Projects

It is estimated that there are in excess of 800,000 orphans in South Africa. My Home is a safe home that currently cares for 28 orphans while Sport For All welcomes orphans and vulnerable children to their sports coaching sessions. The children can play any sport they want to, giving them an outlet for stress and an escape from their daily troubles.

The children from both projects had been brought to the Moruleng Stadium by US Olympic legend and Chairman of the Laureus World Sport Academy, Edwin Moses. Just the previous day, he had also led a group of children from the Soweto Schools Rugby Project to meet England’s opponents in their first World Cup match, the United States, at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria.

Lack of education is a fundamental problem for many children in Soweto, a township near Johannesburg and through Play to Learn, young people are taught school subjects while they are having fun playing rugby.

Edwin Moses said: “The children were thrilled. This is a real concrete example of sport making a difference. I applaud organisations…who share with Laureus the belief that we have to leave a legacy for the next generation.”

After meeting the kids in Moruleng, England head coach Fabio Capello said: “It was fantastic to share the day with the Laureus kids. It’s important for the children to know the value of life and the importance of mind and body” and David Beckham, who was also present joined him to say: “Children… are our future. I’m sure they had a great time today meeting all the players. I have boys of my own and I loved seeing the smiles on all their faces.”

US midfield player Stuart Holden said: “For kids to come to the training camp and for us to interact with them is fun for us. Sport has the capability to change the world. Soccer is such an international sport, it can unite people."

The Laureus Foundation addresses social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives. Since its inception Laureus has raised more than €35 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of over one million young people. Laureus currently supports 78 community sports projects around the world including 12 in South Africa.