Cape Town - Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith has been named the latest Laureus Sport for Good Foundation ambassador joining an impressive list of sports icons who have joined the Laureus family.
The announcement was made in the presence of Smith’s long standing team-mates Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher, at the final breakfast event in a series of sport inspired events hosted by Laureus throughout 2015.
Smith has lauded one of the most illustrious sporting careers, making his Test debut in 2002 in Cape Town against Australia.
In 2003, just a year later against Bangladesh, he was selected as captain at only 22 years and 82 days, making him the youngest ever South African captain.
Smith has the distinction of having been part of all four of South Africa's opening partnerships exceeding 300 runs, and became only the second South African and 12th overall to complete 9 000 runs in Test cricket.
He went on to captain the Proteas in his 100th Test match, becoming the most successful SA Test captain in history.
Chairperson of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA, Morné du Plessis, said: “We at Laureus are honoured to have Graeme Smith on board as an ambassador. He has enjoyed one of the most remarkable sporting careers as the youngest captain to represent our national team. He possesses the sort of leadership qualities that we encourage the youth to aspire to, both on and off the field. We are certain he will be a great addition to the Laureus family, and will continue to uplift communities across the country”
‘Sport has always had the astounding ability to change the world and I hope that I can help Laureus achieve this, by doing my bit to help uplift local communities. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has instilled so much hope in communities across SA using sport as a tool to unite divided communities; I am both excited and honoured to work with the foundation to help overcome these challenges”, says Smith.
Smith joins a remarkable list of current and former sportsmen and women around the world who support and promote the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Ambassadors volunteer their time to work for the Foundation, whose mission is to use sport as the means to combat some of the world’s toughest social challenges facing young people today, such as juvenile crime, gangs, HIV/AIDS, discrimination, social exclusion, lack of education, landmine awareness and health problems such as obesity.
Since its inception Laureus has raised over €85 million to improve the lives of millions of young people and currently supports more than 150 community sports projects in 35 countries.