Sporting legends Li Xiaopeng and Steve Waugh will lend their experience and counsel to young leaders at the One Young World Summit 2015, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 18th – 21st November.
As One Young World Counsellors, their support comes as part of a new Charity Partnership between One Young World and Laureus, the global sports-based charity that uses the inspirational power of sport as a force for good. Laureus supports more than 150 sports-based community projects in 35 countries and honours the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen across all sports each year, to showcase the power of sport to break down barriers, bring people together and improve the lives of young people around the world.
Li and Waugh will join a host of influential Counsellors at the One Young World Summit in November, who will work with 1,300 young leaders from 196 countries to address global challenges across fields including education, global business, leadership and government, human rights, peace and security and environment.
Li Xiaopeng is one of China's greatest gymnasts, having won a total of four Olympic gold medals and eight World Championship titles in his career.
Steve Waugh, former Australian cricketer, retired in January 2004 as the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket, with 41 wins in 57 Tests.
Inspired by the Olympic movement, One Young World is unique in giving young leaders the opportunity to interact directly with some of the world’s leading politicians, business leaders and campaigners, both at annual Summits and throughout the year. One Young World opens up a platform for its young delegates, empowering them to make lasting connections to drive positive change. Over 8.9 million people worldwide have been impacted by the work of One Young World Ambassadors.
Kate Robertson, Founder of One Young World, said: “The transformative power of sport was one of the main inspirations behind One Young World. Across the world, from the Rugby World Cup currently taking place in England to the most widely watched Women’s Football World Cup in history, sport acts as a unique engine of social change.
“Our new partnership with Laureus will set out the lessons sport provides away from the track and field, highlighting the importance of discipline and belief in tackling some of the world’s most challenging issues.
“The achievements of Xiaopeng and Steve are unmatched in their field. The encouragement and motivation they will provide will have a tremendous impact on the lives of the young leaders attending the One Young World Summit in Bangkok.”
Li Xiaopeng, China’s most successful male gymnast, said: “Success at the Olympics is defined by a combination of self-determination and a shared commitment of teammates to a common goal.
“The lessons learned from both individual discipline and being part of a team have value that go far beyond the world of sport. It will be an honour to share my experiences at One Young World with such an inspiring group of young people.”
