Bombay, Dec 07: Sports legends urge sports stars to take up social issues. A group of sports legends on Thursday (December 4) said in India's western Bombay city that they would encourage young sportsmen to fight for social causes. The sports legends are members of Laureus World Sports Academy, which is a unique association of 40 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time whose mission is to expand the positive influence that sport can have on society. "Not as a person but as an organisation, I think we can help to fill their minds to build the spirituality of young athletes and use ourselves as an example to make better people. May be those people can build their own facilities," Edward Moses, chairman of the Laureus Sports Academy Forum, said while addressing a gathering in Bombay. The five-day meeting, organised by a local media group, was participated by 40 sports legends including famous gymnast Nadia Comaneci, Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, swimmer Dawn Frase, U.S. basket ball player Michael Johnson, and Olympic gold winner athlete from Morocco Nawal El Moutawakel. The foundation supports 21 projects around the world addressing social issues like HIV/ AIDS, child abuse, religious and racial intolerance.


Its work also focuses on helping young people overcome poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS.



Since its formation the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation claims to have influenced the lives of over 100,000 young people globally.


The stars were in India to promote the spirit of sportsmanship amongst the weaker sections of the society.


Bureau Report