Laureus celebrates South Africa’s 2013 YES graduation

Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Edwin Moses, and Chairman of Laureus South Africa, Morné du Plessis, congratulated an inspirational group of Cape Town youth leaders who have successfully graduated from the Laureus Youth Empowerment Through Sport (YES) Programme.

2013 marks the second year of this programme which trains youth leaders to harness the power of sport to inspire and transform their communities. 39 participants aged between 18 and 25 were selected from a wide base of sport for social change programmes nationally. 

YES leaders have completed sports management training delivered by innovative partners such as the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Exercise Teachers’ Academy, Children’s Radio Foundation and Youth Zones. Knowledge gained includes event management, IT skills, facilitation, sports coaching, media communication and important leadership skills.

After the graduation the leaders showcased their new skills in sessions with 40 kids from local Laureus projects: Grassroots Soccer, Waves For Change and Indigo Youth Movement. 

They were joined by four Laureus Ambassadors - Ernst van Dyk, Ryan Sandes, Cynthia Tshaka and Swiss Laureus Ambassador and defending champion of the Absa Cape Epic, Christoph Sauser. 

Edwin Moses commented: “I have seen the work of our projects globally and am always inspired by the potential of young leaders. I am glad to see the Laureus YES Programme taking the lead in South Africa to raise the aspirations of youth leaders through sport”.

Morné du Plessis continued, “Today’s YES Programme graduates embody the spirit of Laureus. They are South Africa’s sports leaders of tomorrow who will be changing the world around them”.

The Cape Town YES Programme graduates are Mziyanda Matiwane, Ferdill Vilander, Taahirah Matthews, Lamees Solomons, Ashley Meyer and Charl Jensel.

 YES Programme graduation ceremonies will follow in Durban and Johannesburg.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa supports 16 sports-based community programmes nationwide.  Since its inception it has raised over R 32 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of more than 10 600 young people.

For further information please contact:

Brett Graham

Direct landline: +27 (0)21 659 5728

Mobile: +27 (0)83 951 3133

Email: brett.graham@laureus.co.za