Laureus USA Stands Firmly Against Racism

Laureus Sport for Good was founded more than 20 years ago with a fundamental belief in sport’s ability to tackle racism and with an understanding of the healing power of sport to help bridge divided societies. During these challenging times we are more committed than ever to our vision of using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. In the United States, as well as around the world, the words of our Founding Patron, Nelson Mandela, continue to guide Laureus’ work:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

While the problems of racism cannot be tackled through sport alone, Laureus USA remains committed to using sport as a tool to teach inclusion, heal trauma, and provide opportunities. We would like to acknowledge and thank our partners who do incredible work and who have been directly impacted by recent events, including Black coaches, youth, program and community leaders. We bear witness to their challenges but also to their indomitable spirit and to the passion and excellence with which they continue to serve. We stand with them, and with all those who are peacefully calling for justice and equality.

As a leader in the Sport for Development sector, we at Laureus USA:

• support organizations that work to break down barriers, reduce discrimination, crime and violence in communities and help young leaders emerge, contributing towards the reduction of discrimination and the creation of communities which embrace ethnic, cultural, and physical differences;
• have more than $1,875,000 in current funding invested in organizations and initiatives that address the root causes and impacts of racism;
• have provided access to sports based youth development programs for 95,000 black youth so far in 2020
• have fully integrated principles of Diversion, Equity and Inclusion into our grant-making approach;
• have formed a national racial equity learning group in our flagship ‘Sport for Good Cities’ initiative, to ensure best practices in our own work and that of our partners.

Looking forward, we pledge to:

• continue to invest in organizations that are actively anti-racist both in their programming and their operations, with a further seven-figure investment in this area already committed this year
• bolster partners’ efforts to strengthen their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and practices;
• support and empower black-led and black-founded organizations;
• continue to focus support on marginalized and underserved communities, including black communities who are disproportionately impacted by structural racism and systems of oppression;
• provide racial equity trainings for youth sport practitioners in our ‘Sport for Good Cities’;
• listen to partner communities and commit additional resources where necessary to build anti-racist competencies or structures.

We will also conduct an internal organizational equity audit, to identify areas of strengths and opportunities for growth in matters of bias and racism, even if latent. All members of our staff will complete an annual training to assure a high standard that is consistent with our vision.

We believe unflinchingly in the power of sport to change the world for the better. We re-commit to youth development through sport, to create opportunities for ALL kids, regardless of their race or background.