South African youth dazzle international media with excellence in sporting disciplines Skateboarding – Indigo Youth Movement Surfing – Waves for Change Physical Activity - HealthNutz
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) prides itself not only in being the best within the automotive industry but most importantly in building communities. In the run-up to the Laureus World Sports Awards, which will be held in Germany on the 18th of April 2016, a high calibre delegation of international media from seven countries, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, France, England and South Africa were hosted by Daimler AG from 10th to 11th March in Cape Town. The objective of the visit was to experience a few of the projects that the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa funds and supports. Mercedes-Benz has a historic connection to various sporting disciplines, thanks to its many sponsorship activities which include motor sport, soccer, golf and tennis as well as a partnership with the German Sports Aid Foundation. “As one of the world’s biggest producer of luxury cars we are well aware of our global social responsibility. By supporting Laureus we consequently support sport for good projects for disadvantaged children and teenagers around the world. Our aim is to not only maintain, but extend our social commitments even in economically challenging climates.” said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars and Trustee of the global Laureus Foundation. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), Daimler AG (DAG) and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation (LSfGF) team headed by Morne du Plessis and Marlene Coetzee-George, hosted the media at three exciting projects in Cape Town: the Indigo Youth Movement (skateboarding); Healthnutz (school sport) and Waves for Change (surfing). International Big-wave award-winning surfer, Sebastian Steudtner was also in attendance in his capacity as a German Laureus Ambassador. Sebastian interacted with the children at all the projects by actively participating in their sporting activities. He left a memorable
mark on the youth as to what can be achieved through hard work and commitment. A round-table discussion led by Florian Seidler, Co-CEO of MBSA and Trustee Member for Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa; Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars and Trustee of the global Laureus Foundation; Morne du Plessis, Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa and Academy Member and Marlene Coetzee-George Trustee, discussed the intricacies and successes of the work of the foundation with the media. As part of its social commitment, Mercedes-Benz helped to initiate the Laureus Foundation as a founding partner in 1999. The powerful quote by Laureus patron, the late Nelson Mandela, “Sport has the power to change the world; it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair,” continues to inspire the work of the foundation. Since inception, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has supported over 150 projects worldwide, primarily aimed at helping children and young people overcome social problems. In South Africa, MBSA, in collaboration with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa has been touching the lives of youths through 15 community-based sports programmes over the past fourteen years. Co-CEO of MBSA and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa Trustee member, Florian Seidler enthused, “At MercedesBenz we take social responsibility extremely seriously. We are committed to making a difference wherever possible, as we do not lose sight of the environment and community in which we operate, it is a business imperative.” Youth development is one of the key pillars of MBSA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus in the country. As an organisation, partnerships aimed at inspiring future leaders and creating positive social change with a stronger focus on youth and leadership development are an integral part of MBSA’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy. “We believe in making a lasting contribution in the communities in which the projects have taken hold. The sporting excellence of the youths who have participated in this programme is a testament to the great impact and significance of this partnership,” added Seidler. This principle has motivated MBSA to extend its partnership with Laureus in March 2015, by becom-
ing country patron for the South African foundation. As Country Patron MBSA invests R3-million annually into the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation; R2.5-million a year towards the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, and a further R500, 000 towards the Youth Empowerment through Sports Programme (YES). Now in its fifth year, the YES programme focuses on equipping youth with the technical, vocational, entrepreneurship and life skills needed to develop sustainable livelihoods. The programme targets school leavers, ages 18 to 25, with particular attention given to young people who are passionate about sport and the upliftment of local communities. Laureus South Africa Chairman, Morne du Plessis, added, “With MBSA funding, the foundation is able to extend its programmes extensively to a greater number of youth in disadvantaged communities. MBSA’s commitment to the sustainability and success of the projects is extremely commendable.” Mercedes-Benz South Africa will continue to support the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, through its various golfing tournaments and AMG Driving Academy events. “We are excited at the opportunities that present themselves in our everyday business environment, that can grow the work of the foundation and make a meaningful contribution to local communities,” concluded Seidler. For further information on the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation projects, please visit http://www.laureus.co.za/