This week, the much-anticipated sixth Global Summit by Laureus took centre stage against the magnificent backdrop of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
From June 20th to 22nd, this captivating event delved into the vital themes of gender equity and empowering girls through coaching, while also exploring the transformative potential of localized approaches.
Bringing together an illustrious gathering of over 150 Laureus grantees, esteemed athletes, sports personalities, and technical experts from around the world, the 2023 Laureus Sport for Good Global Summit was expertly hosted by the distinguished Kely Nascimento President of the Nascimento Foundation and the daughter of the legendary Brazilian soccer icon Pelé, her presence added an extra touch of significance to the proceedings.
In this sixth edition of the Laureus Sport for Good Global Summit, the first since the pandemic disrupted such gatherings, the focus on the opening day was firmly on gender equity and coaching girls.
The aim was clear: to equip high-profile athletes with the skills to become champions of gender equality and emphasize the positive impact of sports in the lives of girls.
Engaging sessions explored topics such as “The role of the athlete in inspiring girls” and “The rise of women’s football,” offering enlightening insights and igniting important conversations.
On the following day, the spotlight shifted to Sport for Development programs from around the world, as they shared their invaluable experiences.
The discussions expanded to encompass the significance of place, with a particular emphasis on the groundbreaking Laureus Sport for Good Cities initiative.
This visionary project serves as a hub for local projects, enabling the exchange of resources and information, and fostering collaborative efforts to achieve shared goals within communities. Notably, Sport for Good Cities has already made an impact in four cities across the United States, as well as in Delhi, London, Hong Kong, and Paris.
The summit welcomed luminaries from the world of sports, including Jessica Ennis-Hill, the remarkable Kosovare Asllani, the charismatic Molly Bartrip, the trailblazing Babalwa Latsha, the legendary Cameron Van der Burgh, the indomitable Missy Franklin, and the extraordinary Nolli Waterman. Their presence added a touch of stardom and inspiration to the event, amplifying its impact.
Thought-provoking panel discussions kicked off with Leela Strong from Nike and Amita Chaudhury, the Group Head of Sustainability at AIA, delving into the crucial question of why investing in girls is not only vital but an ongoing necessity.
This set the tone for the interactive panels that followed, featuring influential voices such as Megan Bartlett from the Centre for Healing & Justice Through Sport and Shannon Moloney from Tottenham Hotspur FC. These discussions centred around the essence of coaching and its true definition.
The conversation continued with Caitlin Morris, the Vice President of Social and Community Impact at Nike, and representatives from Bloody Good Period, Philippa Diedrichs, and Babalwa Latsha. Together, they explored the important topic of body confidence in the realm of sports, shedding light on its significance for athletes.
Reaching its crescendo, the summit featured a captivating panel comprising the illustrious trio of Jess Ennis-Hill, the Olympic champion; Carmen Jorda, the Spanish motorsport racing driver; and Nicol David, the former world number one squash player who held the title for an astonishing 108 consecutive months. Together, they delved into the profound role that athletes play in inspiring young girls, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
As Wednesday’s sessions drew to a close, Kosovare Asllani from AC Milan and Molly Bartrip from Tottenham Hotspur took to the stage, delivering an inspiring conversation. Bartrip, in particular, displayed remarkable openness and candour as she shared her personal journey through mental health challenges, leaving a powerful impact on the audience.
The Laureus Sport for Good Global Summit has provided a platform for meaningful discussions, impactful collaborations, and a renewed commitment to driving positive change in the world of sports.
With its focus on gender equity, empowering girls, and the transformative potential of localized approaches, this remarkable event sets the stage for a future where sports truly become a catalyst for social progress.
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