Chairperson, some of the world's most influential sportsmen and sportswomen are to attend next month's Laureus World Sports Academy Forum in Gauteng. It will be the first time the forum is held in Africa.
The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique association of 42 of the greatest living sporting legends who share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, bring people together and improve the lives of young people around the world.
The academy members act as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, volunteering their time to visit projects in order to draw attention to the problems afflicting society today.
Among the members who are to attend the Laureus World Sports Academy Forum are Boris Becker, Hugo Porta, Bobby Charlton, Edwin Moses, Monica Seles, Mark Spitz, Ilie Nastase, Daley Thompson, and Martina Navratilova.
Particular focus will be given to Laureus work in Africa, where the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation tackles a range of social issues, from child soldiers to Aids, homelessness and poverty, racial issues and abuse - in each case using sport as the tool for social change. Laureus also provides support for projects in Chad, Kenya and Uganda.
The ANC is delighted that the Laureus World Sports Academy Forum will be coming to South Africa. [Time expired.] [Applause.]