“It’s taken quite a few years… but it’s happening.”
Opening the Laureus Sport for Good Summit in the heart of London, Edwin Moses addressed the excited audience to express how long he had looked forward to this event taking place.
And what an event it is.
Not only are project leaders from all over the world coming together to share ideas, but they are also being joined by a host of Laureus Academy Members.
Edwin was really enthusiastic about what a great opportunity this would be for project leaders as far afield as London to South Africa to learn about tackling issues that affect all countries equally.
But before the talks could begin, Academy Member Sean Fitzpatrick, still celebrating his beloved All Blacks’ victory at the Rugby World Cup, was keen to teach all those present something a little different: The famous ‘haka’.
The New Zealand dance made famous by the All Blacks.
And luckily it was recorded for you all to take a look at.
But before he gave his haka lesson, Sean had some slightly more serious things to discuss.
And they go to the heart of how sport has shown to be such a unique tool in helping communities the world over.
Sean said: ” It has been a difficult year [for New Zealand]. There has recently been disasters like the container ship off the coast of New Zealand leaking oil into the sea, the mining tragedy and, of course, the terrible earthquakes that struck Christchurch. But having the World Cup really helped… Sport has played an enormous part in building morale once again.”
By Emma Chesworth of Laureus
On the spot at the Rugby World Cup Read more
If there is one lasting memory of this year’s Rugby World Cup, it is how sport really can bring joy to people after they have suffered terrible pain.
This was the case for an entire nation following the All Blacks’ victory over France at the World Cup Final, but it is also the case for a remarkably talented young rugby coach from Soweto in South Africa.
The name of this young coach is Bongiwe Nhleko, or ‘Bongi’ to her friends.
Bongi (top row, centre)
For Bongi, following a difficult childhood that included both hardship and tragedy, rugby has offered her chances in life she might never have imagined possible. Read more
BY SEAN FITZPATRICK
Laureus Academy Member and legendary All Blacks captain
Auckland was a very special place to be on Sunday as we celebrated the crowning of the new world champions New Zealand, after the 8-7 win over France.
After 24 years, the All Blacks have their second World Cup (copyright Getty Images)
By Emma Chesworth of Laureus
On the spot at the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand
