Laureus World Sports Awards
The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the sporting world, recognising the best athletes and teams globally.
- Definition and Purpose: Established in 1999, the Laureus World Sports Awards honour exceptional athletic performances in a calendar year. The awards are given annually, aiming to inspire sportsmanship and promote the positive impact of sport on society.
- International Awards: The Laureus Awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious accolades in sports, often referred to as the "Oscars of Sport." The awards cover various categories including Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, and Team of the Year.
- National Honours Systems: While not directly part of a national honours system, the Laureus Awards often feature nominees from various countries, showcasing the diversity of sporting excellence. National federations and sports bodies frequently celebrate their athletes' nominations and wins.
- Cultural and Creative Awards: The Laureus Academy, consisting of journalism icons and sports legends, is pivotal in deciding the winners, embodying a cultural recognition of sports achievements. These awards serve as a model for similar initiatives that focus on combining sports with cultural impact.
- Scientific and Academic Awards: Although primarily focused on athletics, the scientific community acknowledges the Laureus Awards for its emphasis on sports science, training techniques, and overall athletic performance evaluation, promoting research in sports health and ethics.
- Historical Background of the Awards: The inception of the Laureus Awards was led by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, aiming to harness sport's power to promote social change. Initial awards were distributed in Monte Carlo, and since then, the event has evolved into a global celebration, with notable winners including athletes like Usain Bolt (multiple wins) and Serena Williams.
