From Laureus
David Cameron, the Prime Minister, today greeted the prospect of London hosting the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards next month by saying, “I can’t think of a better way to kick off our Olympic year.”
The winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards are voted for by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 47 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time, will be unveiled at a globally televised Awards Ceremony staged at Central Hall, Westminster, on Monday, February 6.
“These Awards celebrate the world’s top sportsmen and women and highlight the incredible power of sport to make a real difference to individuals and communities around the world,” Prime Minister Cameron said. “I am delighted that the Laureus World Sports Awards are coming to London in 2012.”
Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards directly benefit the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports 91 community sports projects around the world. Since its inception, Laureus has raised €40 million for projects which have improved the lives of more than 1.5 million young people.
Among the Laureus Academy Members and Laureus Ambassadors who will be in London for the 2012 awards are: Ruud Gullit; Ilie Nastase; Marvelous Marvin Hagler; Martina Navratilova; Mika Häkkinen; Alexey Nemov; Gary Player; Sergey Bubka; Sir Steve Redgrave; Sir Bobby Charlton; Nadia Comaneci; Kip Keino; Monica Seles; Franz Klammer; Mark Spitz; Dawn Fraser; Steve Waugh; Katarina Witt… and many others.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “I am excited that the Laureus World Sports Awards and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation have decided to bring the Awards to London for 2012.
“Laureus and I share a commitment to making sport a positive part of everyone’s life regardless of age and ability. Celebrating the power of sport here in London with the world’s sporting superstars will provide the perfect start to our Olympic year and it marks the beginning of a real and long-lasting grassroots sports legacy for London and beyond.”
Among the winners who have received Awards at previous Awards Ceremonies have been Jenson Button, Roger Federer, Sir Alex Ferguson, Lewis Hamilton, Justine Henin, Kelly Holmes, Rafael Nadal, Sir Steve Redgrave, Ronaldo, Michael Schumacher, Kelly Slater, Serena Williams and Zinedine Zidane.
Laureus combines the Laureus World Sports Awards, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Academy to form a unique international sports organisation that uses the inspirational power of sport as a force for good. The Laureus Foundation is a global leader in research, expertise and best practice in supporting grassroots programmes around the world.
The full list of Nominees for the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Athletics), Novak Djokovic (Serbia, Tennis), Cadel Evans (Australia, Cycling), Lionel Messi (Argentina, Football), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany, Basketball), Sebastian Vettel (Germany, Motor Racing)
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya, Athletics), Maria Höfl-Riesch (Germany, Alpine Skiing), Carmelita Jeter (US, Athletics), Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic, Tennis), Homare Sawa (Japan, Football), Yani Tseng (Taiwan, Golf)
Laureus World Team of the Year
All Blacks (New Zealand, Rugby), FC Barcelona (Spain, Football), Dallas Mavericks (US, Basketball), England Cricket Team (UK), Japan Women’s Football Team, Red Bull (Austria, Motor Racing)
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year
Yohan Blake (Jamaica, Athletics), Mo Farah (UK, Athletics), Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic, Tennis), Rory McIlroy (UK, Golf), Li Na (China, Tennis), Oscar Pistorius (South Africa, Athletics)
Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Eric Abidal (France, Football), Darren Clarke (UK, Golf), Crusaders (New Zealand, Rugby), Sergio Garcia (Spain, Golf), Liu Xiang (China, Athletics), Queensland Reds (Australia, Rugby)
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
Daniel Dias (Brazil, Swimming), Terezinha Guilhermina (Brazil, Athletics), Oscar Pistorius (South Africa, Athletics), Esther Vergeer (Netherlands, Wheelchair Tennis), David Weir (UK, Wheelchair Athletics), Irek Zaripov (Russia, Nordic Skiing)
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year
Jamie Bestwick (UK, BMX), Philip Köster (Germany, Windsurfing), Carissa Moore (US, Surfing), Travis Rice (US, Snowboarding), Kelly Slater (US, Surfing), Shaun White (US, Skateboarding/Snowboarding)
- For detailed biographies of Nominees go to www.laureus.com
- For media accreditation, click here: www.laureus.com/accreditation
NOTES FOR EDITORS
For further information please contact:
Gerald Meier
Laureus Global Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 2863
Fax: +44 (0)20 7514 2837
Email: publicrelations@laureus.com
Website: www.laureus.com
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