After three days of hectic interviews, highly competitive golf and racing with the Academy members, a game of football with local children should have been a relaxing way to start the day of the awards – It wasn’t! But then what do you expect when professional sportsmen and women take part, namely Daley Thompson, Butch James, Hugo Porta and Nawal El Moutawakel. Watching the launch of a new Laureus project right here in Abu Dhabi really showcased the work the academy does week in, week out.
Kevin Spacey hosting the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi
1. Liverpool vs Manchester United
Liverpool get their title campaign back on track with a win against their most bitter of rivals in a dramatic 2-0 victory at Anfield. Goals from Fernando Torres and David Ngog seal the win for the Reds.
2. The NFL in London
The NFL returned to Wembley Stadium for the third time in three years as the New England Patriots destroyed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 in front of nearly 90,000 fans.
3. Jensen Button – World Formula One Champion
Jensen Button sealed his first Formula One World Championship in Brazil after leading the Drivers Championship since the beginning of the year. The Brawn driver made it two wins in two years for British drivers after Lewis Hamilton’s win in 2008.
4. Valentino Rossi – World MotoGP Champion
Valentino Rossi won his seventh MotoGP World Championship in Malaysia with one race to spare. The Italian, who many consider the best to ever race motorbikes, finished the race in third place for the Yamaha team.
5. Barcelona lose to Rubin Kazan in Champions League
This week saw one of the biggest shocks ever to take place in the UEFA Champions League as European Champions Barcelona went down 2-1 at home to Rubin Kazan. The Russian Champions are taking place in their first ever Champions League and were virtual unknowns outside of Russia before this season.
