Nelson Mandela was the first Patron of Laureus. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, President Mandela said: “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. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
Nelson Mandela's Address
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I am happy to be with you tonight at the first Laureus World Sports Award. 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.
It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.
It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.
The heroes standing with me are examples of this power.
They are valiant not only in the playing field, but also in the community, both local and international.
They are champions and they deserve the world’s recognition.
Together they represent an active, vigorous Hall of Fame. A Hall of Fame that goes out into the world spreading help, inspiration, and hope.
Their legacy will be an international community where the rules of the game are the same for everyone, and behaviour is guided by fair play and good sportsmanship.
I ask you now to rise and join me in commending the original inductees into the World Sports Academy Hall of Fame.
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