As I board the plane at London Heathrow Airport I could hear whispers from behind the curtains. The cabin crew had heard there were some famous sportsmen and women on the flight! Arriving back in Abu Dhabi the sense of excitement was not just in the air, all the talk is of Monday’s awards and who else would be visiting the capital of the UAE.
I checked into the hotel last night just in time to catch one of the craziest games of rugby I have ever seen, France versus Scotland in the RBS Six Nations, so first thing on my schedule today is to seek out some of the game’s biggest names to get their view (Sean Fitzpatrick, Hugo Porta and Michael Lynagh among others). And that’s the wonderful thing about the awards – you’re only ever a few feet away from some of sports biggest names and they’re more than willing to talk to you about the thing that binds us all – the power of sport, not just to entertain us, but also to be a force for good. I can’t wait for the cabin crew to find out Morgan Freeman is on board!
England cricket legend and Laureus Friends & Ambassador Michael Vaughan received an enthusiastic welcome when he visited the London Active Communities’ Urban Stars project in Lambeth.
Vaughan, captain of the England cricket team which famously beat Australia in 2005 in one of the most thrilling Ashes Series ever, faced up to some cracking bowling from inner city teenagers who attend the project.
Urban Stars operates in some of the most troubled areas of London with a high incidence of juvenile crime. It delivers a community-based multi-sports programme, with a focus on urban cricket, football, basketball and boxing. Based at the Lillian Bayliss Old School in Lambeth, it targets young people, aged 13-19, tackling gang membership, crime and anti-social behaviour.
Michael Vaughan said:
“Being able to spend time with these youngsters and see Laureus Sport for Good at work was a memorable experience. It was great to see so much positive communication between the leaders and the youngsters. I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to make Urban Stars such a success,” he added.
The ultimate aim of Urban Stars is to offer young people routes into education, training and employment, by offering quality learning opportunities outside school. This leads to a rise in academic attainment and aspirations. It also works to reduce the number of teenagers joining gangs. This should lead to lower offending rates, fewer weapons related incidents and a reduced fear of crime in target areas.
On Sunday, Michael Vaughan took part in the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk marathon in Johannesburg to help raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Trust South Africa. He was joined by fellow South African Laureus Friends and Ambassadors Deshun Deysel, Baby Jake Matlala, Lucas Radebe, John Robbie and Cynthia Tshaka who will all be walking.
Michael Vaughan with 2 of the Johannesburg Cubs
The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk has something for everyone, with 30km and 15km events for serious walkers, while those looking for a shorter walk with their families, work colleagues or even with their dogs, can enjoy the 5km and 8km walks. Read more
Laureus Friend & Ambassador Michael Vaughan spoke to BBC Radio Five Live on Wednesday evening to discuss England’s recent performances in the Ashes and what the future now holds for him. He was nice enough to give a small shout-out to Laureus, saying:
I’ve been involved in Foundations like Laureus. It’s great, I’m trying to give something back…sports people around the world can make a difference to other people’s lives.
Fine words.
You can listen to the interview here.
