Smaller or Bigger?
The Laureus management has changed and the current situation isn’t solved yet, so this year the event might be a bit smaller…
A photographer told me before the Laureus Gala Night in Zurich. How wrong he was! There are, indeed, a new President of the Foundation, Fabian Cancellara, a new CEO, Martin Wittwer, and a new location, the Maag in Zurich. But the event was packed with la crème de la crème of Swiss athletes and also of business men and entrepreneurs who were bidding quite aggressively during the secret and open auctions. That means that a new record was established and 1’364’380 CHF were raised. How?
Generous Sneakers
For every guest wearing sneakers on the blue carpet, Mercedes Benz Switzerland donated 200 CHF. A total of 95’000 was raised under the motto #SneakersForGood. I was wearing my usual (and beloved) On Shoes, but I am not totally sure if my model qualified. Oh well, I took the picture with the gala dress and it sure looks good!
Experiences With Athletes and More
Various experiences with sportspeople were also auctioned: skiing with Patrick Kueng, wind tunnel testing with Jan Van Berkel, etc. It’s always interesting to see who dares going for those…and who also has enough money to offer. More classical options for the auctions included two beautiful IWC watches – my favourite was obviously the Da Vinci (I have been a testimonial for the brand and adored this watch in every variation) – and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that was sold for 280’000 CHF.
Ambassadors
I am always in awe of Daniela Ryf, Nino Schurter, Fabian Cancellara, and Martina Hingis. But this year I was particularly struck by Marcel Hug, who since January 2021 has won: New York Marathon (and it was the 4th time), Boston Marathon (for the 5th time), London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, got a second place at Chicago Marathon, and won 5 gold medals in Tokio. Mamma mia. What an inspiration. Incredible job…
Some Impressions of the Evening
Here are some images of the evening. Photo credits: David Hubacher for Laureus Switzerland, Harold Cunningham for Getty Images and …get read for this: Nino Schurter for my photo with Marcel Hug!
Music break
The gran finale
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Martina Hingis and husband Harald Leemann attend the 14th Laureus Charity Night at Lichthalle Maag on November 13, 2021 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for IWC)
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Edwin Moses and son Edwin Julian Moses attend the 14th Laureus Charity Night at Lichthalle Maag on November 13, 2021 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for IWC)
About Laureus
The Foundation is currently working with 60’000 children and adolescents, and 10’000 young people. The work is based on offering different sport activities and events in order to help those who have disadvantages.
In what was are the children and adolescents disadvantaged?
- Difficult social and/or economic family circumstances
- Physical, psychological or mental disabilities
- Abuse or other trauma
What exactly is the power of sport?
- Sport instils self-confidence, a sense of individual responsibility and social competence
- Sport helps young people to stay healthy, both physically and psychologically
- The primary focus is on exercise, personal development and integration
- Social-pedagogical support instils a feeling of self-esteem and a sense of community