Latest news with #Laureus
NZ Herald
01-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Boot camps or sports camps? Sean Fitzpatrick is backing sport to reduce youth crime in NZ
Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive and pilot lead Iain Chapman says there are encouraging signs that the pilot is working, despite the criticism. Whatever the answer, youth crime is a community problem. It affects everyone. At the upper end, retailers and shoppers are terrified by armed robberies; at the lower end, Kiwis are maddened when their cars are stolen or their property is covered in graffiti. The Government will point to encouraging stats. The number of crimes committed by youths has decreased year on year for some time. But the frequency and level of offending by the group that do show up in the stats has increased. In short, that group are behaving badly more often. And gang membership has increased to more than 10,000, often young people looking for a sense of brotherhood and belonging. With that comes an explosion in the distribution and use of methamphetamine. New Zealanders look to the Government to 'fix' the problem but, with no easy answer in sight, we should be looking more widely and considering different options. Former All Black great Sean Fitzpatrick chairs the global charity Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in London, set up on the urging of the late Nelson Mandela 25 years ago. Mandela, addressing the elite sport members who make up the foundation, urged them to use their reputations and sport to help bring about social change. Sport, he told them, 'speaks to youth in a language they understand. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.' The foundation has since helped millions of children and youths in 40 countries take part in sport-based activities. Some of its projects are unrelatable to New Zealand. In many cases, the Laureus Foundation is saving kids from sweatshops, child prostitution or becoming illiterate child brides, all through sport. But some of its projects can be replicated in New Zealand. In London it launched a project called Midnight Basketball, replicating an initiative by Laureus member and basketball great Michael Jordan in Chicago. A rundown gymnasium in a closed-up school in east London was restored, and now opens each day between 11pm and 5am. Local youths come to play basketball and have something to eat. They are encouraged by mentors to go back to school or learn a skill, and they learn teamwork, discipline and structure. Having seen the results, Fitzpatrick thinks sport can be a game-changer for troubled or disadvantaged youths in any country. In the past Laureus has supported New Zealand's Billy Graham Youth Foundation, which runs fitness and boxing gyms. Fitzpatrick has also had discussions with Sport New Zealand CEO Raelene Castle about how the two organisations can work together to use sport as a way of reducing youth crime. And Fitzpatrick has been involved in early discussions about Christchurch becoming a Laureus 'model city', where local organisations are supported to tackle social issues through sport and physical activity. An example of what is already working is The Mill, a youth facility and gym in Kaikohe. A new documentary, Kaikohe Blood & Fire, that premieres in Auckland this weekend, follows the remarkable turnaround of a group of kickboxers training at the gym. Hundreds of local kids use The Mill, mostly for free, and yet the gym's owners have had to plead for funds in the past to keep the place open. The Government, local and regional bodies, charities, philanthropists and those able to volunteer would do well to back organisations that are already making a difference in keeping youths, often from backgrounds of abuse, neglect and poverty, off the streets, to give them a sense of purpose and self-worth. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, why not support the programmes that are already working? Sign up to the Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scotsman
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe By The Sea 2025 Hot Tickets: Here are 15 of the biggest names appearing in North Berwick
3 . Sir Chris Hoy One of Scotland's most successful sporting superstars, Sir Chris Hoy will be in conversation in the Big Top at 11.30am on Saturday, August 9. The winner of six Olympic golds and the 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award will be chatting about his illustrious career and living with stage 4 cancer. | Getty Images for Laureus
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Chris Bertish postpones TransCat expedition to 2026 for safety enhancements
South African sailor Chris Bertish has delayed his TransCat Expedition to 2026. Image: Supplied In a significant move highlighting his unwavering commitment to safety and the integrity of ocean exploration, renowned South African adventurer, author, and ocean conservationist Chris Bertish has officially announced the postponement of his highly anticipated TransCat Expedition - Oceans Without Borders to 2026. Initially scheduled to set sail on June 24, 2025, Bertish's team faced a stark reality after navigating 100 nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean, only to turn back due to pressing safety concerns that arose ahead of this daring journey. The TransCat Expedition aims to achieve a historic milestone by completing the first-ever solo, unsupported Pacific Ocean crossing in a production beach catamaran without a cabin—a perilous 2,800-nautical-mile feat from Mission Bay, California, to Oahu, Hawaii. However, the challenges became increasingly evident as Bertish grappled with narrow seasonal windows and complex weather patterns that could jeopardise the endeavour. "When you rush things in life, bad things happen," Chris Bertish expressed in a recent statement. "While it's tough to delay, taking this time to get things right and test properly is the right call. It will ensure we launch from the strongest position possible—safer, smarter, and with all the refinements thoroughly tested." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The heroics of Chris Bertish, who braved sharks and storms on a stand-up paddle craft crossing of the Atlantic for charity, has been recognised by global sporting movement Laureus. Picture: Brian Overfelt This delay grants Bertish essential time to implement crucial modifications to his vessel, the Wildcat Image: Brian Overfelt This delay grants Bertish essential time to implement crucial modifications to his vessel, the Wildcat — a custom Nacra 20-foot semi-foiling beach catamaran. The team will conduct rigorous offshore trials to ensure optimal performance in preparation for the harsh realities of the ocean. The Wildcat will soon be relocated to Berkeley, California, for key upgrades prior to an intense training and testing schedule set for early 2026. As Bertish and the TransCat team embark on this meticulous preparatory phase, they are buoyed by a growing network of supporters, including the Mission Bay Yacht Club, which continues to rally behind their ambitious vision. "We've built a great base team and community, and I know exactly what needs to be changed and improved," said Bertish. "Much of it simply requires more time—time to test the innovations, train under realistic conditions, and get everything dialled for next season. This extra preparation will pay off exponentially in the long term." Chris Bertish Image: Supplied With an intensive testing plan scheduled for April and May 2026 across critical locations, including San Diego, Mission Bay, and Dana Point, all eyes are set on a new launch target in June. While the postponement may be seen as a setback in terms of timeline, it is anticipated to lay a stronger foundation for the expedition's goals, all while amplifying global awareness about ocean conservation and climate action. "This is about being able to reframe a big challenge or setback in life and seeing the silver lining in the obstacles," Bertish asserted. "We have an incredible opportunity to build from a solid foundation and create something even more impactful and meaningful—pushing the boundaries of what's possible while driving real change for our ocean, education, and communities."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ariarne Titmus drops massive news on swimming world after move with boyfriend
Ariarne Titmus has opened up on the experience of attending the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid with her boyfriend last month, while also revealing she'll definitely make a comeback to swimming after a 12-month break. The Aussie swimming champion has stepped away from the sport for a well-earned break, and won't compete at the world championships in Singapore in July. Titmus revealed after the Paris Olympics last year - where she won two gold and a silver - that she wanted to take a break for at least a year. With no concrete plan for a return to the pool being made public, there had been some speculation that Titmus might be considering walking away for good. But speaking on SEN radio on Wednesday in an interview with Gerard Whateley, the four-time Olympic champion said she's definitely coming back and will be making her return to swimming "in a couple of months' time". She said: "I miss the sense of routine. My life at the moment has been all over the place. "You miss that sense of routine and seeing your coach every day. Dean (Boxall) and I have such a close bond. It's a really rare thing to be working so close to someone and working towards a goal that's so particular." Titmus said she'll "definitely" be competing at the 2028 Olympics in LA if all goes to plan, while also revealing she's only been in the water about five times since Paris. The 24-year-old has spent the last 10 months exploring what she wants to do with her career post-swimming, making multiple appearances in the media and doing a number of speaking events. "It's pretty much been a total break," she said. "I've been trying to keep as fit as possible. I don't want to let myself go too much. "Leading into Paris I'd been vocal with [coach] Dean Boxall and Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor that I needed a break away from the pool of about 12 months. It's been non-stop since I first made the national team when I was 16. "Every year it's been the same where you're scared to take a break and lose your form. I just needed some time away for myself and to truly explore me beyond swimming. I really wanted to take the time just to spend with my family and friends, and I never want to be caught in the trap of retiring one day and not knowing what I want to do." RELATED: Athletics world in disbelief after Aussie beats world champ in 100m Swimming world reacts amid news about Aussie hero Susie O'Neill Titmus' absence from the pool was glaringly apparent last month when she was in Madrid for the Laureus World Sports Awards while her teammates were competing at the national championships in Brisbane. On Wednesday she opened up on what it was like to attend the awards with boyfriend Mack and brush shoulders with some of the most famous athletes in the world. "Becoming Olympic champion has exposed me to some opportunities I would never have had," she said. "I've tried to lean into those as much as possible. [Laureus] is basically like the Oscars of sport. "When I had the opportunity to go over I just said to myself 'I have to go', because you never know when you'll be nominated for another one. It was honestly pinch yourself stuff, just to be around legends who are still competing like (Novak) Djokovic and (Carlos) Alcaraz. Rafa (Nadal) was there, Kelly Slater. "But also legends of the past who I never thought I would ever cross paths with. The night before at a dinner I had Boris Becker on my table. And asking him questions that you would never have the opportunity to ask otherwise. I will remember that for the rest of my life."
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Sir Chris Hoy issues new cancer update and admits he 'can't believe' current position
Sir Chris Hoy issues new cancer update and admits he 'can't believe' current position The six-time Olympic gold medallist was diagnosed with cancer in September 2023 after a routine test found he had a tumour in his shoulder and he later discovered the illness was terminal Sir Chris Hoy was revealed in 2024 that he was undergoing treatment for cancer (Image: Angel Martinez, Getty Images for Laureus ) Sir Chris Hoy has delivered an optimistic update on his cancer journey, revealing that he's reached "a bit of a stability stage" and is appreciating life "more than ever". The six-time Olympic champion, now aged 49, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2023 following a routine examination that uncovered a tumour in his shoulder. In February 2024 Sir Chris made it public that he was undergoing treatment, which included chemotherapy. Then in October he shared the heart-wrenching update that his situation was terminal. After tests showed primary prostate cancer that had metastasised to his bones medical professionals advised the iconic British cyclist he could have between two and four years left. Sir Chris has since provided an uplifting health bulletin, stating he "feels good" in spite of the ongoing medication and therapy. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . SurreyLive reports the Scottish athlete told Sky Sports News: "I'm doing well. It feels like I've entered a bit of a stability stage at the moment and I'm feeling good, exercising, riding a bike, busy. "Most importantly cancer's not the first thing I think about in the morning when I wake up and it's not the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night. I think we've got into a rhythm now where it's part of our lives and we manage that and crack on." Article continues below He also mentioned how active his recent months have been. "It feels like it's been one of the busiest periods of my life, the last few months, just doing everything: fun stuff, family stuff, work, travel. "I feel good. I'm on constant medications, constant treatment, but it's not interfering too much with my life and the most important thing is it's working so I'm stable at the moment, everything's good. Making hay while the sun shines." Sir Chris solidified his status as a British sporting legend by taking home six Olympic gold medals, 11 world championships, and accumulating 34 World Cup wins before retiring from racing in 2013. He added: "I can't believe the position I'm in now compared to 18 months ago. I never imagined I'd be able to get to this point where I'm actually living life. "And not just living life but actually appreciating it more than ever and being able to enjoy the little things. It's not just about doing bucket-list stuff and doing massive things – it's about appreciating the daily, mundane fun of life." Following the announcement of his devastating diagnosis Sir Chris has been showered with affection and support from fans and fellow athletes alike. He has dedicated himself to prostate cancer awareness and advocacy, urging people to go for regular health checks. The impact of his efforts is evident with reports showing a staggering 700% increase in men reaching out to their GPs for screening appointments following the news of his terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite facing enormous challenges he has launched a new initiative, Tour de 4, which is a cycling event designed to shift public perceptions of individuals dealing with stage four cancer. The charity cycle event is scheduled for Sunday, September 7, in Glasgow with the aim of raising more than £1m for UK cancer charities. Article continues below
