Harnessing the power of sport: Olympus and Laureus Sport for Good launch three-year collaboration

A celebration of the launch took place at The Grayson in Dublin where members, clients and partners gathered for an intimate evening.

Guests were joined by Bryan Habana, Laureus Academy Member & Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good South Africa and Ned Wills, Chief Executive of Laureus, who both shared powerful stories about how Laureus uses sport to help young people overcome social challenges, build confidence and unlock their potential. 

To mark the launch, Ned Wills, Laureus Chief Executive, said: “Right now, we believe many young people are in crisis – facing a mental health epidemic, political instability, economic uncertainty and a future impacted by climate change. Our goal is to make even more grassroots support available whilst advocating for high level investment in sport as a tool to deliver social outcomes. 

Wills continued: “We can only achieve our goals by working with like-minded organisations, which is why we’re so delighted to be starting this partnership. Working with Olympus opens new ways to scale impact.” 

This partnership is a special milestone. Since inception in 2017, Blend Group has been committed to supporting causes it genuinely believes in, and Olympus was created to ensure that same philosophy remains at the heart of the organisation. Working alongside Laureus allows a continuation on that commitment and support members’ philanthropic ambitions in a meaningful, lasting way. 

Speaking about the impact this collaboration can create, Andrew Millard, Blend Group Commercial Director, noted: “Our partnership with Laureus represents an important milestone, not only in our dedication to meaningful causes, but also in supporting our members’ philanthropic aspirations. 

Last December, during a 100km challenge in South Africa, members of our team saw the impact of Laureus’ work at the 9Miles Project. This programme goes far beyond surfing, offering literacy support, daily meals and a safe space to build confidence and opportunity. Hearing the team’s experiences and stories of how Laureus empowers young people and supports women, coupled with being a recent parent of two young girls, has made this partnership even more meaningful.” 

For 25 years, Laureus Sport for Good has delivered community-based programmes around the world, reaching over 7.5 million young people.  

Their work supports the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals and tackles social challenges including mental health, education and social exclusion. Through sport, they demonstrate the simple, but powerful truth that it can unite, uplift and create opportunity for young people around the world.  

Through this partnership, Olympus and Laureus will collaborate to expand that impact through fundraising, global challenges and new ways for our community to get involved. 

Laureus Sport for Good uses the power of sport to help young people overcome social challenges, build confidence and unlock their potential. Olympus shares a belief in the power of sport, shown through its mission to unite a global community of influential leaders who share a passion for sport, innovation and positive social impact.  

Olympus and Laureus will work to: 

– Support fundraising initiatives
– Take part in global challenges and events
– Shine a light on the stories and programmes creating real change
– Curate opportunities for members to get involved, if and when it feels right for them 

If you’d like to learn more about this exciting partnership, please reach out to the Blend Group team who are always happy to share information.  

Powering Change Through Sport. 

Every contribution helps Laureus Sport for Good provide safe spaces, mentorship and life-changing opportunities for young people around the world. To read more or donate, visit: https://uk.givergy.com/campaign-LaureusxOlympus/?controller=home