Annual Review 2020 Fighting Against The Odds - Laureus
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Annual Review 2020 Fighting Against The Odds
Contents Marvelous Achievements, 04 in Honour of Marvelous A Team Game 05 2020: A Year of 06 Unique Challenges Responding to Crisis 10 Time Well Spent 13 Global Footprint 2020 16 Global Impact 18 How We Work 20 Everyone Wins 25 Changing the World, 27 City by City Participants Per Sport 29 Research and 30 Learning Communities Green Challenge 32 Advocacy and Influencing 34 Laureus World Sports Awards 35 Where Did Our 38 Money Come From?
Marvelous Achievements,
in Honour of Marvelous
If the last year has shown us anything, it is that no-one is immune to
A Team Game
the pain of loss. Sometimes, when we see graphs showing hundreds
of thousands of deaths, the numbers become too big to imagine – It might sound strange to say, given the focus of the Laureus
but each number represents a life lost, and with each loss a family, World Sports Awards on recognising the pinnacle of excellence
friends, teammates, and colleagues have been deeply touched. and inspiration in sport, but it is rare we stop work at Laureus and
celebrate success.
For me, and for so many of my colleagues in the Laureus Academy,
March 2021 provided a moment of sadness to rival any other, with That has been especially true during COVID-19. With the pandemic
the passing of our colleague Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who died exacerbating the challenges faced by the young people we serve,
unexpectedly at his home, aged 66. A champion in every sense of the partners we support and the sector we are so proud to be part
the word, Marvelous proved himself a great fighter in the ring and of, 2020 was a year of harder work than ever - often with more
a greater hero outside it. His love for life, for his wife Kay and his limited resources and in more difficult scenarios. There was very little
family, and for the world of sport were unmatched. time to look around and congratulate each other on a job well done.
Marvelous, like our colleagues in the Academy, shared a Sometimes, though, we need to do so – not least because the efforts
fundamental belief in the power of Sport for Good. He was of our staff, our partners, our Academy Members and Ambassadors
energised by the time he spent with young people, seeing not only continued throughout the pandemic, but increased their
how sport could play a role in overcoming the toughest impact. The numbers in this report bear that statement out: our work
challenges they faced. In that he shares so much with all helped 97,960 children and young people feel less socially isolated
of us, and I know he would be proud of every one of the despite lockdown. 58,641 had an increased sense of belonging in
stories told in this Annual Review. their communities despite being shut away. With schools around
the world closed, we still helped 98,354 children and young people
2020 once again proved the truth of Madiba’s words. to attend, positively engage with, and/or complete education. With
It proved there has never been a greater need to domestic violence rising, 10,337 children and young people took
break down racial barriers, to laugh in the face of action against violence against girls and women. 53,945 young
discrimination. It proved that there has never been people were provided with the relevant soft and technical skills
a greater need to speak to youth. It proved that we required to access employment opportunities. And despite the
can create hope, and overcome despair. challenges the economy faced, our dedicated Employability
programmes helped over 39,772 children and young people
My thanks go to our Global Partners - IWC
to access work experience and internships.
Schaffhausen, Mercedes-Benz and MUFG - and
all those who supported Laureus Sport for Good Credit goes again to our partners on the ground for delivering
in 2020, a most extraordinary year. All of us in the against all odds. I would like to express our gratitude to them,
Laureus Academy have, over the years, formed lasting and to the Laureus team who found new ways of working together
connections with the many programmes we have visited to support those in need, despite being physically separated
all over the world. As the pandemic tightened its grip, from their colleagues and facing their own challenges from the
we knew that its terrible consequences would include a pandemic. Credit and heartfelt thanks also go to our funding
threat to the continuation of this work that makes such a partners, especially our Global Partners - IWC Schaffhausen,
difference to so many young lives. And so my special thanks Mercedes-Benz and MUFG - who despite the many priorities
go to the coaches and programme leaders serving young and demands on their time and budget, and alongside their
people on the ground, to the Laureus staff working to support own incredible efforts to tackle the worst effects of the pandemic,
them, and to the Academy Members and Ambassadors who continued to support this vital work.
continue to give their time to deliver against that call to
action from President Mandela. Sport for Development is a team game. Working together,
we believe we can overcome any challenge. Even in a time
Together, we will continue to show that sport has the of lockdowns and social isolation that remains the case.
power to change the world. I know Marvelous will be
cheering us on. Thank you for your support.
Edwin Moses, Adam Fraser,
Chair, Laureus Sport for Good Chief Executive, Laureus Sport for Good
4 5
ChildFund Rugby, Vietnam
ChildFund Rugby uses an integrated rugby
and life-skills curriculum in their ‘Pass It
Back’ programme to equip young people
2020: A Year of
from vulnerable communities across Asia to
overcome challenges, inspire positive social
change and take active leadership roles
within their communities. Activities for the
Unique Challenges
‘Pass it Back’ programme in the Laureus-
funded area of Hoa Binh, Vietnam had
to be halted from the end of January until
mid-May, which allowed the programme
to reset its curriculum through a COVID lens.
Two programmes were quickly developed in
Inequality did not stay at home during health restrictions closed off their venues
response to the restrictions: ‘Reconnect Rapid’
lockdown. The secondary effects of the and prohibited the gatherings of people
provided children aged 5-18 with tag-rugby
pandemic actually contributed to an which are the normal setting for Sport for
and life-skills sessions to reconnect with their
increase in violence, discrimination and Development programmes. The tennis,
peers in a safe and positive environment.
disadvantage in 2020. Mental health netball and basketball courts were locked
‘Reconnect Teams’ supported players to
and wellbeing deteriorated due to the up, the football and rugby pitches were
develop social and emotional competencies.
isolation of lockdown, youth unemployment roped off. Athletic tracks, swimming pools,
exploded, domestic violence and child ski pistes and even schools were closed.
abuse increased, and rampant inequality
led to increasing levels of discrimination Our partners across the world faced new
and violence in our societies. and daunting challenges in their mission
Peres Center for Peace, Israel
to support young people. In these pages you
Laureus’ partners on the ground, working will find out how some of them overcame The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation
to address all those challenges even at those challenges, finding innovative ways is one of Israel’s leading nonprofit NGOs,
the best of times, found their role harder to deliver the programmes that continued developing and implementing peacebuilding
than ever. For long periods of 2020, public to change lives in these extraordinary times. programmes. In the ‘Playing Fair, Leading
Peace’ programme, Youth Leaders are
selected to receive training on the proven
‘Peace Education through Sport’ methodology
and then implement activities with Jewish and
Arab schoolchildren from different schools.
In response to the strict lockdown, the Peres
Sport dans la Ville, France Center adapted this programme to online
delivery throughout the year. Educational
Sport dans la Ville is one of France’s leading materials on diversity, culture, and inter-
nonprofits, supporting underserved children language learning were developed in Hebrew
and young people through sport since 1998. and Arabic. The Young Leaders also hosted
Laureus works with them to help girls aged live-streamed football sessions for the children
10-16 overcome gender stereotypes. When to practise their football skills while at home.
countrywide lockdown put a hold on all Unfortunately, in-person activities planned for
their activities, Sport dans la Ville quickly the twinned communities could not take place,
adapted, shifting all their projects to online but virtual sessions allowed the children to
delivery. They stayed in touch with all their engage together online.
participants via social media, delivered
sports and employability sessions via Zoom
and Microsoft Teams to keep them active,
and provided emotional support with
individual follow-ups and mentoring. We place important value on participation in
Laureus learning communities in terms of our
programmatic growth and the exchange of
new ideas and best practices with colleagues
in sport and development around the world.”
Peres Center for Peace and Innovation
6 7
TRASO, Mexico
TRASO is based at the heart of Tacubaya, and therapy. During lockdown, TRASO
St Columb’s Park House, Northern Ireland an underserved neighbourhood in Mexico quickly developed and adapted to
City. Founded in 2013, TRASO uses the online learning, offering both live and
St Columb’s Park House opened as a programme, as in-person activities were power of boxing to prevent violence, pre-recorded boxing and educational
peace and reconciliation centre in 1994, suspended and remote delivery was not narcotrafficking and delinquency, and classes to their participants. TRASO also
offering a shared space for peaceful an option as access to the internet is strictly to promote education, life skills and continued to offer socially distanced and
activism. In 2019 and 2020, they took part prohibited for prisoners. St Columb’s Park peace. TRASO joined the Laureus family much-needed 1:1 and group therapy
in the Creating Pathways Programme, a House successfully negotiated with the in 2016 with their CAPAZ programme, classes to participants and families from
partnership between Laureus and Fight for Department of Justice, who authorised which supports children aged 5-12 and their long-standing partnership with the
Peace. Working closely with the Personal access to virtual learning and sport sessions their parents through boxing, education, Universidad Iberoamericana.
Development Unit at Magilligan Prison, using Zoom. As important as this was for the
they offer personal development, sport participants, this was also a recognition of
and education programmes to young the importance of the programme itself, one
offenders in Northern Ireland. COVID-19 of only a handful that were able to continue
severely affected the delivery of the in the prison throughout the pandemic. © Sandra Platten Soccer In The Streets, USA
Soccer In The Streets empowers
Atlanta’s youth through soccer training,
character development and employability
Boxgirls, Kenya programmes. When lockdown struck,
they faced the challenge of retaining their
Boxgirls Kenya uses boxing to empower coaches. Their salaries are paid from income
girls in Nairobi, creating safe spaces to derived from charitable contributions, which
learn about their rights, promoting their were severely reduced during the pandemic.
leadership, ensuring access to education, 38 of their 42 coaches were contractors,
strengthening self-esteem and confidence, which meant they could not benefit from the
and eventually leading to dignified lives government’s Payroll Protection scheme.
in secure communities, in which they are Soccer In The Streets reacted quickly and
valued as equal members of society. changed the focus of their programme
During lockdown, Boxgirls restructured delivery. They ran online homework
their activities to find safe ways to support programmes and food delivery to families
the girls by scaling down the numbers of and developed an eight-week learning
participants in activities, running more curriculum including soccer training videos
sessions, and designing mini versions of delivered online or via phone by a coach,
tournaments and summits, enabling social tailored to the individual needs of each
distancing. They also engaged more with participant. This shift opened new funding
parents and ran fitness and education opportunities, allowing them to retain most of
sessions for the girls at home. their capacity and reach youth in new ways.
Active Communities Network, UK We attended the Sharing Communities, with all other
Active Communities Network, ACN, uses sport conflict with residents and local businesses. organisations part of the Laureus portfolio in Brazil,
to build young people’s skills, confidence
and self-esteem to ensure they can succeed
ACN partnered with the Royal Navy to use
their diving pool, gathered a group of 13- to
and we consider it very important, as there were
in employment, education and training. 15-year-olds and engaged Jaimee Gumpry, opportunities to share learning, which was crucial
Laureus has been supporting their work in a member of the South African National to support us in adapting and meeting our project
London, Manchester, Belfast and Portsmouth Team, to be their coach during the summer.
since 2008, adding the Republic of Ireland in They practised a new skill safely, learned objectives during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
2019. In the summer of 2020, after months of the impact of their actions in the community,
Eduardo Pacheco, HURRA
lockdown, hundreds of frustrated youngsters and stayed out of trouble. ACN is already
gathered at Portsmouth harbour to practise planning adding a new coach to the team
‘tombstoning’, which, linked to the use of for summer 2021: Peter Waterfield, British
alcohol and drugs, escalated an existing diver and Olympic silver medallist.
8 9
Responding to Crisis
At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Sport Foundation, Hong Kong Rugby Union
for Good Response Fund was launched by Community Foundation, Kevin Durant
Laureus Sport for Good, ensuring that Sport Charity Foundation and Degree and Zurich
for Development programmes across the Foundation. Together, we ensured that
world could continue and providing vital Sport for Development remained available
new channels to support young people to support children and young people.
during the pandemic. Through the Response Together, we helped address the secondary
Fund we were able to support 90 Sport for effects of the pandemic in areas such as
Development organisations in 24 countries mental health and wellbeing, education,
with small grants and strategic support. domestic and gender-based violence, and
lack of employment opportunities.
As a collaborative initiative, the Response
Fund proved the power of partnerships. A few examples of what Sport for
The Fund was launched in partnership Development organisations did with
with Beyond Sport, Comic Relief, LA84 support from the Response Fund:
Luta Pela Paz, Brazil
Through the Sport for Good Response Fund, pandemic. Luta Pela Paz recognised
Luta Pela Paz (Fight for Peace) supported and responded to domestic violence,
Disability Sports Coach, UK young women across the 16 communities creating safe online/phone spaces and
of Maré, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. offered psycho-social support for those
With up to 75% of their usual participants Their programme aimed to mitigate the most vulnerable, equipping young women
lacking internet access, Disability Sports deepening of gender inequality and build and girls with accurate information and
Coach in the UK sourced and distributed networks of protection for girls and young access to external protection services,
200 packs of sports equipment, allowing women who found themselves left more and providing overall emergency support.
members and their families to remain vulnerable by the secondary impact of the The programme continues in 2021.
physically active from the safety of their
own homes. They also created free activity
cards of fun and engaging ways to use the
sports equipment. For those with internet
access, online initiatives with their coaches © Thomas Cristofoletti / Indochina Starfish
Ruom for UNICEF
helped people stay connected and reduced Foundation, Cambodia
isolation. Disability Sports Coach reached
close to 3,000 participants with disabilities How do you maintain a safe, supervised
during lockdown, reducing feelings of football programme for children in the midst
isolation and improving mental and of a pandemic? Indochina Starfish Foundation
physical wellbeing. in Cambodia came up with ‘Social Distancing
Football’. The children have to wear face
masks, and must maintain a minimum two-
metres distance between players. Those who
break the rules are penalised by being sent off
Laureus supported us to create a to ‘quarantine’ areas. Each player also has their
more robust Safeguarding Policy temperature taken and must wash their hands
where we have adopted a COVID before taking to the pitch. “COVID-19 couldn’t
stop me from playing football,” says Nha Nha,
safeguarding policy too” who was able to connect with friends, have fun
and continue to play the game she loves.
Wil Summers, Tamworth Boxing Club
10 11
CASE STUDY:
Rafa Nadal Foundation:
New Partners in Spain
What happens when the Laureus mission Foundation went to great lengths to continue
is shared by a sporting legend? Proof that supporting the community with food support,
the power of sport can change lives, even school support, physical activities to help get
when faced with the most demanding people moving again, and by adapting the
of circumstances. programme delivered in the centre.
In July 2020, Laureus joined forces with Most of the other work that Laureus has
the Rafa Nadal Foundation for the benefit supported in Spain has focused on social
of vulnerable children and young people, inclusion and education. One of the first
specifically collaborating with the Rafa partners in the country to be supported with
Nadal Foundation Centre in Palma Laureus funding was Special Olympics. The
that engages with children and young organisation works in 172 countries across
people from multi-ethnic, disadvantaged the world and focuses on children and young
neighbourhoods. Created in 2014, the Rafa people with intellectual disabilities.
Nadal Foundation Centre in Palma cares Other programmes supported over the years
for more than 250 vulnerable young people include ‘Pass the Net’, implemented by the
and their families each year. Programming Madrid Tennis Federation to support 14- to
Time Well Spent
delivered at the centre focuses on fostering 18-year-old children at risk of social exclusion,
educational values such as team spirit, the ‘I Have A Dream’ scholarship programme
respect, and effort, always using a range run by AGM Sports, and ‘To Our Heroes’ by
of different sports as the essential element. Alex Foundation, which works with children
In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, the and young people with different abilities.
The IWC Drawing Competition creates a unique link
between IWC Schaffhausen, one of Laureus’ Global
“Athletics have changed my outlook on life”, with a biological mother whom he hardly
Pablo, 18, says. saw, Pablo was not motivated to study, Partners, and the young people served by the Laureus
and his academic results showed it. He
Pablo joined the Rafa Nadal Foundation could not keep up with school, and this Sport for Good programmes.
Centre programme in Mallorca in 2014 had further negative effects in how he
when he was only 11 years old. related to other people.
Athletics have Back then, he was struggling The competition offers young people from organisation in its mission to use the power of
changed my with school and friendships. After joining the programme, the coaches Laureus-supported programmes around the
world the opportunity to use their creative flair
sport to transform the lives of disadvantaged
youth around the world. The 2021 Laureus
Due to a difficult situation at and mentors began working with Pablo
outlook on life” home with his parents, and to give him tools that would help him deal to produce a piece of artwork, which in 2020 Sport for Good timepiece will be IWC’s 15th
with the situation at home. They also started was under the theme ‘Time Well Shared’. special edition.
working with him to develop his attitude
Participants from Laureus-supported The dial of each limited-edition timepiece
towards learning and to help him find out
programmes aged 4-16 are given the is produced in a distinctive ‘Laureus’ blue
what motivates him in life.
opportunity to design their own personal colour, with colours slightly varying in each
Sport played a critical role in this process. artwork, showing the value of sport to them. edition. The blue is intended as a symbol
It was here he began to discover hidden Following a shortlisting process, three finalists of hope. Each timepiece is produced with
interests and talents. It was through are presented in a public vote to choose the the unique engraving, designed by a
participation in sport activities that he winner, with the winning design engraved young person from a Laureus-supported
began to feel valued and to build self- on the back of the following year’s IWC programme. This engraving serves as a
confidence and develop the resilience Schaffhausen ‘Laureus Sport for Good’ special reminder that a portion of the proceeds from
that would help him in tough times. edition timepiece. In addition, the winning sales goes to help support Laureus Sport
participant receives a special meeting with a for Good programmes, who use the power
Pablo is now training to become an Laureus Academy Member or Ambassador, of sport to help young people overcome
athletics coach in a local club in Mallorca. and the participant’s programme will receive violence, discrimination and disadvantage.
He hopes to one day join the Rafa Nadal an additional €5,000 donation.
Foundation Centre as a coach to give The winner of the 2020 IWC Drawing
back and support other children who IWC has been a proud Global Partner Competition was Melissa Mejía Castilla,
find themselves in difficult situations. of Laureus since 2005, supporting the age 12, from Colombia.
12 13
CASE STUDY:
Laureus in Japan: Play
Academy, MUFG and More
COVID-19 may have delayed the 2020 Tokyo However, a commitment to the power of
Olympic and Paralympic Games, but Japan sport in Japan must by necessity go far
has still been central in the world of sport in beyond the elite level – not least to positively
recent years after a series of flagship events impact the lives of girls suffering from
including the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The significant gender inequality. The Global
South Africa team that won that tournament Gender Gap Index 2020 shows that Japan
were named Team of the Year at the 2020 ranks 121st of 153 countries, demonstrating
Laureus World Sports Awards, but Japan also that this inequality is one of the fundamental
shone in the spotlight – with the swashbuckling social issues affecting women in Japan.
style of their national team and the country’s Girls drop out of sport at a far higher rate
passion for sport and for bringing together than boys, especially during puberty, and
different communities and cultures from the corresponding issues of mental health
around the globe. and wellbeing follow a similar timeline:
73% of Japanese boys age 14 say they like
themselves, compared to only 46% of girls.
Japanese girls’ confidence peaks at 10 years
old, and from then on it is in steady decline.
These issues lie at the core of a project
launched by one of Japan’s leading athletes
and supported by Laureus Sport for Good.
‘Play Academy with Naomi Osaka’ was
launched as a partnership between the tennis
Sport has been a huge part of my life and it makes
star, Laureus and Nike in 2020, and aspires
to level the playing field for girls through the me proud to know that, through Play Academy,
power of sport. It provides fun and positive more girls will have the chance to have fun through
play experiences through sport and aims
to help girls become positive role models. sport, building confidence, self-esteem and
Naomi’s ability to leverage the support of leadership skills for life in the process”
her partners has been key, with Mastercard,
Yonex, BodyArmor Sports Drink and Levi’s Naomi Osaka
also pledging their support. The initiative
announced its first three Japanese grantee
partners on International Women’s Day 2021. Naomi is not the only sporting legend To that end, Laureus Sport for Good has
Laureus’ Global Partner, MUFG, has also determined to see Sport for Development been able to support a range of other
been key to support of the initiative, investing make a difference in the lives of Japanese programmes in the country, from those
significant funds in its support of girls across youth. Advocating for the work Laureus Sport using sport to engage young people
Japan. After this initial success, the programme for Good supports in Japan are Laureus with intellectual disabilities and learning
is expanding into Los Angeles and Haiti. Ambassadors and Olympic stars Dai Tamesue difficulties, to those using climbing to
and Yuko Arimori, footballer Shinji Kagawa, empower youth with physical disabilities,
gymnastic legend Kohei Uchimura and to those focused on girls’ life skills, mental
tennis champion Ai Sugiyama. Together with health and academic achievement, with
Laureus and our Partners, these sporting an overall goal to create more equal
legends are collectively committed to an opportunities for girls and women to
objective summed up in the stated partnership participate and lead in sport and in
between Laureus and MUFG: ‘to empower a their communities.
brighter future through the power of sport’.
14 15
Global
Footprint
2020
Laureus Sport for Good is made up of the the positive changes that sports-based
Global Foundation, based in the UK, and programme participation could facilitate
National Foundations located in Argentina, in the lives of children and young people.
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South
Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. With pitches, tracks, pools and courts
For the first time ever, this annual review closed for most of the year, programme We support and implement programmes in these countries and territories:
includes programmes and activities participation numbers were bound to drop
in 2020. Still, through the commitment and Afghanistan France Liberia outh Africa
S
delivered and supported by all Laureus
creativity of our programme partners and Argentina Germany Mexico South Korea
Global and National foundations.
staff, supported by our funding partners, Australia Greece Mozambique Spain
We are delighted to continue to play a we managed to directly support more than Austria Grenada Myanmar Sweden
key role in creating the body of evidence 270,000 children and young people (52% who Belgium Hong Kong Nepal Switzerland
for the impact that purposefully delivered, identify as male, 47.8% who identify as female, Brazil SAR, China Netherlands Thailand
sports-based programmes can have on and 0.2% who identify outside of male/female Cambodia India Nicaragua Uganda
youth development across the world. gender categories) via comprehensive, China Israel Nigeria UK
2020 was a difficult year for evidencing ongoing programme activities. Including our Colombia Italy Palestine USA
this impact, as much of the conventional additional investments in trauma-sensitive Cyprus Jamaica Philippines Vanuatu
Sport for Development programmes found coach training, train-the-trainer programmes, Democratic Jordan Republic of Ireland Vietnam
their way into the virtual space or needed the Sport for Good Response Fund, Innovation Republic of Kenya Romania
to be adapted in other ways to changing Fund, and other scalable initiatives and the Congo Laos Rwanda
delivery conditions. Still, in collaboration wider outreach, we reached a total of more Ethiopia Lesotho Somalia
and conversation with our more than 250 than 810,000 children and young people in
partners in 51 countries and territories, communities around the world.
we did find ways to tell the story about
16 17
58,641
Global Impact
Had an increased
98,354
sense of belonging Showed improved
in their communities attendance,
engagement, and/or
retention in education
When the United Nations launched the of 270,369 boys and girls, young women
36,150
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and young men, and children and young From diverse
groups were more
in 2016, Laureus joined the governments people who define their gender in non- physically active
of the world in their aim to achieve these binary terms. In each case, they engaged
targets by 2030. with one of the supported programmes
over a sustained period, experiencing not
Using the power of sport, we have found only the activities themselves but also the
our efforts and support particularly efficient changes happening in their lives as a result
in six Social Focus Areas (SFAs). These are of participating in purposefully delivered
Health & Wellbeing, Education, Women & Sport for Development programmes.
Girls, Employability, Inclusive Societies and
Peaceful Societies. And cutting across all of We endeavour to capture this direct impact
them, we promote and monitor Environmental in our framework of Key Performance
Sustainability, Gender Equality, Safeguarding, Indicators (KPIs). These are developed to look
Good Governance and Financial Transparency at short-, mid- and long-term outcomes of
and Accountability. In total, Laureus contributes the programmes we support. In the following
to more than half of the SDGs. pages, we show some of the achievements 102,302
from programme delivery in 2020. In some 97,960 264,488
In 2020, we supported more than 250 instances, the indicators are specific to one
Have confidence,
Gained relevant emotional balance
programmes across 51 countries and Felt less socially
SFA, and in some cases they are cross-cutting. isolated
life, social and/or and resilience in the
territories. We directly impacted a total vocational skills face of difficulties
Outside of this impact reporting, we also launched the Sport for Good Response Fund,
in partnership with others in the sector, to support organisations during lockdown. This
special fund allowed us to provide strategic and financial support to 90 organisations
in 17 countries across the world. On page 10 you can learn more about this initiative,
which enabled additional support to children and young people in times of crisis.
14,054
From vulnerable
and marginalised
groups enjoyed
Our Social Focus Areas:
positive and
45,342
Health & Employability constructive
relationships
Wellbeing
Young people
Developing skills and creating in training and
with others
Enhancing mental wellbeing and pathways to employment employment
encouraging healthy behaviour change
45,935
Inclusive 39,772 From vulnerable and
Education Societies marginalised groups
41,280
Accessed opportunities reported increased
Increased access to and Creating communities which embrace for work experience trust with people from
different backgrounds
completion of education ethnic, cultural and physical differences or internships Accepted and respected
diversity of opinions and
Women Peaceful values in their community
& Girls Societies
Promoting equality, empowerment Resolving conflict, promoting
and safety community peace-building and
creating safe spaces
18 19How We Work Health & Wellbeing
Our vision is to use the power of sport to end violence, Prevention and treatment of mental health issues amongst Children
discrimination, and disadvantage; proving that sport and Young People, including improving resilience and reducing
stigma amongst Children and Young People seeking help.
can change the world. 97,960
Strong social networks, self-confidence and wellbeing reported being better children and young people
and resilience are key elements for a equipped to employ coping mechanisms in total who reportedly felt
less socially isolated
Supporting we unlock greater resources for the Sport physically and emotionally healthy life. and make good life choices.
for Development sector through effective They allow us to bounce back from
Sport for Development programmes advocacy and communications. challenges and crisis. In 2020, of the Increase in knowledge around sexual
that enhance the social and emotional 97,960 children and young people in and reproductive health, leading to
development of children and young Recognising that change can only happen total who reportedly felt less socially positive behaviour change
people in disadvantaged communities with multiple levels of interventions, we work isolated, 46,084 of them experienced In 2020, 44,645 children and young
reduce the impact of violence, conflict, both from the bottom up, by strengthening these feelings in the context of improving people participating in programmes
and discrimination in their lives, inspire organisations and collaboration, and mental health and wellbeing, which explicitly dedicated to raising sexual
healthy behaviour change and increase from the top down, by influencing and contributes to positive, independent lives. health awareness felt they had increased
their educational achievements and collaborating with governments, international Furthermore, 56,183 reported feeling their knowledge about their bodies and 56,183
employability skills. development organisations and other key more confident, emotionally balanced sexual and reproductive health rights. reported feeling more
decision-makers in shaping our societies. And and resilient in the face of difficulties. A further 45,487 reported that they felt confident, emotionally
Strengthening we aim to manage and facilitate knowledge- And 22,053 children and young people in better equipped to make more informed balanced and resilient in
the face of difficulties
brokering, networking and sector-building programmes dedicated to mental health decisions about their lives.
Strengthening the Sport for Development in between these levels.
sector through impact measurement, research,
We continue to prove that sport is a
knowledge-sharing, and network creation.
powerful and cost-effective tool to help
children and young people face challenges
Highlighting in their lives. And from our 20 years
Highlighting serious social issues faced by of history at the forefront of the Sport
for Development community, we have
Education
children and young people, we promote
the use of sport as a vehicle to achieve the developed a depth of understanding and
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and corresponding credibility in our field.
Disenfranchised and vulnerable girls, boys, young women and
young men attend, positively engage with and complete education.
Safeguarding For many children and young people Eliminating gender disparities in
98,354 disenfranchised from mainstream education and vocational training;
In 2020, Laureus became a signatory to the children and young people were education institutions, sport can help supporting girls and young women
International Safeguards for Children in Sport, specifically helped to attend, engage and inspire. Sport-based to have equal access to all levels
committing to working towards safer sport positively engage with, and/or
learning programmes provide an of education
complete education
and Sport for Development for children. To alternative approach to engage Laureus Sport for Good is committed
support this, we promote and advocate for individuals that cannot or are unwilling to eliminating gender disparities in
the Safeguards through our networks, and crisis, we included a section on online to continue formal education, opening education. Our support in 2020 has
we commit to embed them in our work. safeguarding, developed together other opportunities, in more flexible or helped an estimated 56,619 girls to
with UNICEF. Find our policy at informal settings, to learn, and even
Throughout June-August, we reviewed improve their attendance, engagement
laureus.com/safeguarding re-engage with formal education. In
our safeguarding policy, and it now and/or retention in education. This
2020, an estimated 98,354 children corresponds to 48% of all children
explicitly states this commitment. In this We received four safeguarding incident
and young people were specifically and young people who reported on
review, we expanded the scope of the reports from three partners in 2020. All
policy from children to include young of these were reported to our Board of 56,619 helped to attend, positively engage improved attendance and engagement.
estimated number with, and/or complete education.
people and vulnerable adults, thus better Trustees, who expressed their gratitude to
of girls our support
reflecting the range of programmes and our partners for putting the interests and in 2020 has helped
activities we support and carry out. And in safety of the alleged victims at the heart
the review, to better support our partners of their responses and for managing the
adapting their work during the COVID-19 complicated situations well.
20 21Women & Girls
Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a cross-
cutting priority for all Laureus-funded programmes, leading to
47.8% participation of girls and young women in 2020, which is
approximately 25% higher than, as a point of comparison, the general
participation rate in sport among 3rd-12th grade students in the USA.
24,422
children and young
Inclusive Societies
people recognised the right
Ending violence against women Girls and women’s equal participation to a life free from violence
Social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective
and girls and leadership
of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, 82,231
In 2020, a number of programmes Laureus Sport for Good understands
economic or other status. children and young
continued to measure specifically that access to leadership and equal people engaged
against contributing towards a participation of women and girls in When sport programmes are designed 82,231 children and young people.
life free from violence. Through society means more than having to unite, they can become unique Their purpose goes beyond being
involvement in Laureus-funded equal numbers of boys and girls in platforms to build bridges and bring open to all and aims to ensure
programmes addressing gender- programmes, or acquiring knowledge together people and communities the inclusion of those usually left
based violence, 24,422 children and skills. It is also about having the that do not usually engage with each behind, helping them to amplify their
and young people recognised the same opportunities to make decisions 10,624 other. When purposely planned, they voices and actively participate and
right to a life free from violence. and to have an equal standing in their girls and young women are an opportunity to level the playing influence decisions affecting their
And 10,337 children and young communities. In 2020, 14,792 girls and reported being able to field, become accessible to all and truly lives. This year, 58,641 children and
people took it a step further, young women felt better equipped to make more informed
reportedly taking action against recognise their rights and to feel that
decisions about their lives
give a chance to everyone to play and young people increased their sense 58,641
engage in a safe space. of belonging in their communities.
children and young
violence against girls and women. equal economic, political and/or social people increased their
A further 10,624 girls and young roles exist for them in society. 13,472 girls In 2020, Laureus programmes with a sense of belonging
women reported being able to and young women actively engaged focus on ensuring inclusion engaged in their communities
make more informed decisions in programmes that aimed at building
about their lives. them as leaders in their communities.
Peaceful Societies
Reduced the risk of vulnerable and marginalised children
Employability and young people committing violent crime.
Sport and mentoring programmes young people a picture of human
49,916 can be a valuable tool to build life relationships based on antagonism
Children and Young People being provided with the relevant soft children and young
skills and learn how to cope with the and opposition. They learn how to
and technical skills required to access employment opportunities. people built positive,
non-violent and constructive challenges of life, away from violence, separate ‘them’ from ‘us’ based
Many of our programmes use sport Children and Young People who relationships with others crime or drug use. In 2020, through on different ethnicities, languages
53,945 as a tool to provide young people with have access to work experience participation in these programmes, and religions. Sport programmes
soft and technical skills required by the and internships/mentorships 49,916 children and young people with a focus on peacebuilding
young people were
provided with the relevant job market. This year, restrictions and built positive, non-violent and aim to find the common ground,
Despite the adversity around the
soft and technical skills lockdowns have truncated the dreams constructive relationships with others, to share experiences and engage
pandemic, dedicated programmes
of millions of young people across and 47,936 reduced their risks of in constructive dialogue. In 2020,
in Employability helped 39,772
the world to find their first job or gain committing violent crime. 49,183 children and young people
children and young people to access
work experience through internships have participated in programmes
work experience and internships. Culture of peace and non-violence
and apprenticeships. Through promoting a culture of peace and
in communities which are, or have non-violence. 45,935 children and
Children and Young People in
Laureus-supported programmes,
45,935 been, subject to conflict or violence young people have reported feeling
53,945 young people were provided training and employment
have reported feeling
with the relevant soft and technical Living in an area of conflict or post- an increased sense of trust towards
45,342 children and young people an increased sense of
skills required to access employment trust towards others in conflict implants in children and others in their communities.
have moved towards being in training
39,772 opportunities, many of which are or employment, having participated in
their communities
children and young people also part of the 250,289 who gained an employability-focused Sport
to access work experience broader life and social skills. for Development programme.
and internships
22 23Everyone Wins
I have travelled all over the world in two We at Laureus are reimagining that change
very different sporting roles: first, as captain with the launch of a new campaign:
of the All Blacks and more recently as Everyone Wins. The premise is simple and
chairman of the Laureus World Sports at the heart of the work we do: In every
Academy. As part of the New Zealand competition there are winners and there
rugby team, winning was not only our are losers. But every time young people use
mission, it was our reason for being. With the power of sport to overcome violence,
Laureus, I am part of an organisation that discrimination and disadvantage, the world
finds a different purpose in sport. becomes a better place. Every time children
defeat these opponents, everyone wins.
As Chairman of the Laureus Academy,
I am privileged to lead a new team of It’s a fantastic, crisp and clear message which
extraordinary individuals. Extraordinary resonates with me and my fellow Academy
not just because of what they’ve achieved Members as we’ve all experienced winning
in their unrivalled sporting careers, but for and losing but more importantly have seen
what they have done since ‘retiring’. During what happens when that is applied to lives, not
our travels together with Laureus, we have games and competitions. We also all share
CASE STUDY:
visited many of the programmes supported a very powerful understanding
Laureus Netherlands:
by Laureus Sport for Good internationally of Laureus’ role in helping
and have seen the way children and create opportunities for
young people in underserved communities more children around
Ending Crime Through Sport
use sport to develop skills, resist negative the world to ‘win’
influence - and find hope. The words of at life. It’s why we
our first patron are never far from my mind volunteer and lend
in these moments: ‘Sport has the power our support.
In the Netherlands, Laureus Sport for Good participate in soccer, baseball, or basketball to change the world.’
is proud to be part of one of the largest training in special AJB-teams. The coaches
interventions using sport to reduce crime are selected based on their ability to act
anywhere in the world – ‘Alleen jij bepaalt as role models and to support adolescents
wie je bent’ (AJB). towards healthy behaviour change. During
the training, specific attention is given to
AJB is an intervention to prevent juvenile behavioural difficulties of the participants.
delinquency in at-risk youth. Delivered in
partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Justice, The programme aims to create a safe,
the programme targets adolescents between educational environment, with positive
the ages of 12 and 18 from disadvantaged relationships between the coach and the
neighbourhoods with high crime rates, as participants. The coaches communicate
well as those in special education or the desirable and undesirable behaviour and
lowest level of regular education. set a good example for the young people.
The participants of AJB are treated in a
The participants spend 6-8 hours per positive, respectful way and are motivated
week in the programme for a duration of to join prosocial activities at the sports club.
two years. We engaged with independent If necessary, the coach provides individual
auditors to understand the social return on guidance to the participants and discusses
investment into this programme, and the concerns about their behaviour with
numbers were remarkable. The Netherlands’ the school.
Youth Institute now recognises that every €1
invested in the programme provides €19–33 AJB’s dedicated staff ensure good
in social return on investment. coordination between the schools and sports
clubs. AJB is now being implemented in several
Young people are stimulated to take part municipalities in the Netherlands as well as in
in structured leisure activities at selected Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire and Sint Maarten,
sports clubs. At the sports clubs, supported with more than 1,100 young people engaged.
by professional coaches, the young people
24 25CASE STUDY:
Laureus USA: Young Heroes Changing the World,
Taking the L.E.A.D.
Laureus USA aims to improve the health,
education and social and emotional
City by City
well-being of youth, providing children Laureus Sport for Good has been leading the Sport for Good Cities, many of whom faced
and young people with the tools they charge in creating place-based collective major financial challenges. Interventions
need to succeed in life. social impact through sport in major cities. included everything from delivering sports
The Sport for Good Cities programme (also equipment to kids stuck at home in the west
The USA programme comprises an entire
known as Model City) was launched in New side of Atlanta to starting Communities of
range of different interventions, including
Orleans, USA, in 2014, followed by Atlanta, Practice in Chicago for Executive Directors
grants to individual organisations, targeted
London, New York and Chicago. In 2020, we on how to manage their responses to the
coach training, professional development
expanded it further into Paris, New Delhi and crisis. Laureus’ commitment to equity also
and support to deep-rooted community
Hong Kong SAR, China. At its heart is the idea continued in 2020 through the provision
projects. Of the youth reached in the USA,
that when organisations are brought together of resources to each of the Sport for
50% identify as female, 80% as minorities and
to work towards common goals, the results Good Cities to learn and build capacity to
90% are living in low-income households.
are greater than the sum of their parts. understand and address racial inequities.
In addition, the communities we serve are
often areas with high educational drop-out In Model City London, many projects
and poverty rates. These communities have had to re-adapt their delivery multiple
been hit hardest by COVID-19 and continue times due to COVID-19 restrictions. With
to be disproportionately impacted by Laureus’ technical and financial support,
ongoing racial injustice. these organisations were able to leverage
each other and help build resilience and
Despite a year of uncertainty, over 85% of
recovery, positively impacting thousands
youth from supported programmes in the
of young people. An evaluation of Model
USA demonstrated improvement across
City London highlighted key achievements
educational engagement indicators, 86%
in 2020. These included people being more
showed improvements in social-emotional
active and feeling better about themselves
health outcomes and 88% reported
and their community, feeling that they have
increased feelings of cohesion and Although I’m in a really hard a stronger voice to influence change and
inclusion in their communities.
situation, I have the right people create more opportunities for education
and employment, and feeling happier,
to help me. I have a platform healthier and more resilient.
Devon is 19 years old and a recent graduate
where I can advocate for other
of Booker T. Washington High School on teens who don’t have what I have. New Cities
As many others in international development
the west side of Atlanta. He is enrolled in A lot of people in my situation went into programmatic hibernation, Laureus
L.E.A.D., a nonprofit that uses baseball to
empower at-risk youths to overcome crime, don’t have anyone at all.” decided to grow and expand its successful
poverty and racism. Devon has been a Sport for Good Cities programme into Paris,
member of the team for three years and survive the global health crisis, which hit Hong Kong SAR, China and New Delhi. With
Organisations learn from each other, build
in 2020 was in his senior and final year the black community in Atlanta hardest. a greater need than ever, one of the ways
scale and reach, whilst identifying long-
in high school baseball. He was excited we responded was by accelerating our
Devon is now working hard on extra- term solutions. Impacts are deepened and
about going out strong and being scouted most impactful and sustainable programme
curricular activities and filling out scholarship more communities benefit from the power
for college, until the pandemic hit and his model ever. We mobilised dozens of local
applications in order to ensure a better future of sport to create change. However, the
hopes felt like they were over. Just a few organisations and sports clubs, all sharing
for himself and his family. His aspiration is key to change is for local stakeholders
weeks before the news of baseball being our commitment to use the power of sport
to generate wealth for his family now and themselves to collectively identify the
cancelled, he and his family were evicted for social development. By the end of 2020,
for generations to come. Devon would like changes they want to see, and define the
from their apartment. we had extended our support to social
to be able to help both his parents and process towards achieving them.
inclusion and gender equality in Paris, mental
L.E.A.D. used their emergency funds and older siblings start their own businesses and health and wellbeing in Hong Kong SAR,
When COVID-19 restrictions hit, Laureus
reserves to support Devon’s family and teach all of them what he’s learned about China and gender equality in New Delhi.
USA was able to release $200,000 funding
others in a similar situation and help them entrepreneurship, networking and investing.
to help existing partners across the four
26 27Participants Per Sport
CASE STUDY:
Laureus Argentina: Driving
Change in Latin America All sports are welcome in the Laureus
family. Any sport or other physical activity
trend is to adapt the way sport is delivered.
It is not about choosing ‘sports that girls like’,
– if it can hold the attention of a child or but delivering sport in a way that makes
Laureus was established in Argentina in Throughout the year, Laureus Argentina
young person over a sustained period it exciting, relevant and responsive to girls
2003. And the six programmes we support delivered a series of Instagram live
– can be used to facilitate social impact. and young women.
are located in Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, sessions, hosted by Laureus Argentina
Coronel Suárez and Moreno. Chairman and Academy Member Hugo It is important to us that we do not make Therefore, when looking at our partners
Porta, to discuss how we are using the assumptions about social impact when and programmes, you will often find more
Historically, Mercedes-Benz has been the power of sport to change the world. These we deliver and support sports-based complex, sports-based social programmes.
main contributor to the programmes in sessions counted on the active participation programmes. Over the years, our research Putting skates on your feet or throwing the
Argentina and this continued throughout of several Ambassadors such as Alejandra has shown us that the deepest and most ball onto the pit is only the beginning. The
2020. This year, we also saw our García Flood, Matías Martin, Iván de sustainable impact is achieved when power of sport is derived from how we
partnership with Nike strengthen through Pineda and Tomás Cubelli. programmes are adapted and delivered harness and use it.
the jointly developed ‘Entrenadores
to serve social purposes, and even more so
del Cambio’ programme. This provides Although the impact of COVID-19 on society Individual sports, such as yoga and surfing,
when they are delivered in collaboration with
capacity building for physical education was deep and the restrictions on the delivery are typically used to address mental health
other key stakeholders in the life of a child
teachers and coaches. In 2020, the focus of sport and sports-based programmes and wellbeing, and team sports are used
or young person, such as family and school,
was on gender equality, planning activities widely felt, it did present Laureus with the more in programmes developing life
and complemented with other interventions,
during the COVID-19 crisis, and inclusion. opportunity to work with organisations on and social skills. But otherwise, there is no
such as mentoring and training.
issues such as organisational procedures, evidence to support that one sport is better
communication strategies and sport for Girls’ participation in sport and sport for than another, or that the use of one sport
development methodology. development illustrates this. Statistics show only is better than using several sports to
that there is a substantial drop in their deliver impact. In the end, it comes down
In Argentina, similar to the proactive
engagement when girls hit adolescence. to what we want to achieve, and how we
approach Laureus takes to challenges
One of the crucial factors to counter this develop curriculum and delivery accordingly.
worldwide, we are looking to expand
our work to new cities and regions in the
country, while at the same time focusing on Sport 2019 Participants 2020 Participants
fewer Social Focus Areas: Women and Girls,
Inclusive Societies and Peaceful Societies. Multi sports 157,135 143,632
Football 117,605 97,088
I know I have talent and that I could Parque Pereyra Iraola, a public park close
97,088
Boxing & Martial Arts 17,526 51,624
to the community in Buenos Aires.
have a go at a professional boxing Football Dance 21,208 45,060
career. However, at BBC my coach Miguel and Elisa’s friendship started at
BBC. They agreed that trust, empathy, Basketball 33,296 31,086
Santiago taught me the passion solidarity and passion for sport can lead
for coaching. He ignited in me the to remarkable results. With the guidance Athletics 18,334 25,943
of their BBC coach, Diego, they created a
willingness to give others whatever plan for communicating their new boxing Rugby 31,005 25,380
good I can offer.” initiative and the activities that would be
offered – three sessions per week. With their Netball 13,705 23,733
first monthly income they decided to invest in
31,086
Elisa Ortega, 20, was born in Paraguay
t-shirts for all the participants of the classes, Basketball Swimming 3,665 10,859
and has participated in Barracas Box Club
to enhance the sense of belonging to this
(BBC) since mid-2016. During the COVID-19
new initiative. Given the great demand, they Cricket 11,428 9,943
pandemic, she was forced to leave her
had to divide groups into children and adults
home due to domestic violence. She had no Skateboarding 5,801 6,661
and increase the total number of sessions.
income but was met with only empathy and
solidarity from the other participants of BBC. Miguel was able to recover his initial Volleyball 4,433 4,924
Most notably, Miguel Chilaver, 24, active in investment, and Elisa is now able to sustain 9,943
BBC since 2010, offered some of his savings herself. The values and skills taught and Cricket Surfing 2,061 4,741
to Elisa, as part of a business proposal for the friendship created at BBC proved
them to jointly provide boxing classes in to be life changing.
28 29You can also read
