LONDON--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) - Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, a charitable organization that supports projects in the U.S. to improve the lives of youth through the power of sports, announced Laureus reached its 100th milestone globally when Laureus USA added nine new sports-based youth development training projects last month.
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation now supports more than 100 community sports-based projects worldwide helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in more than 30 countries.
A global leader in research, expertise and best practice in supporting grassroots programs around the world, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation funds and promotes sport as a tool for social change.
Commented Laureus Chairman Dr. Edwin Moses, "Going back to the early days when we had six projects in four different cities, I don't think anyone ever envisioned we would get to 100 so quickly. Over the last five years, it's especially happened rapidly. It's great we're able to help more kids in many different parts of the world. Laureus has grown tremendously and will continue to do so with an effective long term strategy."
Adding nine projects in Chicago was part of a larger U.S.A initiative with additional projects set to launch later this year in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans. It will focus on training and placing a total of 250 coaches in sports-based youth development projects in underserved neighborhoods through Coach Across America, a Laureus delivery partner. The coaches will provide mentorship to 40,000 youth across 125 local U.S. communities.
Ned Wills, director of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, promised more to come, "The growth of projects Laureus supports is accelerating as we utilize and roll-out the expertise we've been developing. I'm thrilled with the direction and course we've taken and our successes. What's incredibly important as we pass this significant milestone is that it's not just about the quantity. It's also about the quality of support we're now able to offer such as a range of services and expertise to that 100th project that we never really would have thought possible in 2000 when we began."
Founded in 2000, Laureus has raised more than EUR 55 million for projects which have improved the lives of over one-and-a-half million young people.
About Laureus USA
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (www.laureususa.com) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States and a national foundation of Laureus, which comprises the global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Laureus World Sports Academy, and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively, these three elements form the essence of Laureus, harnessing the power of sport to promote social change and celebrating sporting excellence. Laureus celebrates the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good, passionately embodying the very spirit of sport -- the pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, celebrating achievement and excellence, and winning against the odds.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Ruchika Jain/Adrianne Psarras
Graham & Associates
(415) 986-7212
www.laureususa.com