Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, the leading non-profit organization that uses the positive power of sport to tackle society’s most pressing challenges, has announced it is joining forces with former Miami Heat player and soon to be inducted NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning and naming him its newest Ambassador.
As an Ambassador, Mourning will be able to build upon the great work he has done within the sport for development sector in Miami and bring this passion to a worldwide audience. Mourning joins an impressive list of both current and former sportspeople supporting and promoting the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation’s work around the world.
Mourning was in Miami last week at the Overtown Youth Center to announce his induction into the growing Laureus family; he hosted a Community Day of Health and Wellness, celebrating the impact of sport for development. The Overtown Youth Center is a special place for Mourning, as he co-founded it in 2003 and has contributed to its growth and success since its conception. The Overtown Youth Center, celebrating its 10th Anniversary, is an educational and social enrichment center – a safe haven for underprivileged kids in Overtown, Miami. The Center uniquely blends in- school services, project based learning after school services, enrichment programs, parent support, health and wellness support, and post-high school support (up to age 25) for the 400 students it supports.
Laureus USA, along with Mercedes Benz USA (MBUSA), have been collaborating for three years to help improve the lives of Miami’s youth. The pair have teamed up to support the growth of a sport for development coaching force in the community, impacting the lives of hundreds of youth in Miami.
“I’m proud to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Overtown Youth Center, an organization that has been impacting thousands of youngster’s lives in Miami. OYC inspires, empowers and enriches the lives of youth and families through enrichment services. I’ve been dedicated to this center and have seen its impact grow. I’m joining the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA as an Ambassador to bring the success we’ve seen in sport for development in Miami to other communities around the globe. I believe in the power of sport to change communities,” says Alonzo Mourning.
The Laureus Ambassadors, along with the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, support the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The organization’s mission is to utilize the power of sport to address social problems through a global program of sports-related community development initiatives. Laureus USA works with numerous organizations around the country to help support initiatives that affect youth such as access to quality coaches and mentors, furthering education, and increasing physical activity and health awareness.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome fellow philanthropist and NBA Legend Alonzo Mourning to the Laureus family,” said Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA. “We are looking forward to working with Alonzo with a joint mission of helping to drive the positive power of sports across the country. Working with the Overtown Youth Center is just the beginning of the difference we would like to make together.”
For more information about Laureus USA, please visit www.laureususa.com.
