JOHANNESBURG, April 14, 2010 - One of the greatest South African female soccer players of all time, Desiree Ellis, and former South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock have been named the newest members of the Laureus Friends and Ambassadors programme.
The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by Laureus Academy World Sports Academy Member Morné du Plessis, Chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, at the offices of its country patron Discovery in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Also present to welcome the new Ambassadors were Iain Banner, Ntambi Ravele, Neville Koopowitz, Lucas Radebe, Baby Jake Mtlala, Deshun Deysel, Cynthia Tshaka and Tina Buys, all members of the Laureus Friends and Ambassadors programme, Trustees and sponsors in South Africa.
Desiree Ellis played for the South African women's team Banyana Banyana since its inception in 1993. In her debut against Swaziland she scored a hat-trick and one year later became captain, only retiring in 2002 after a remarkable decade-long career. During her captaincy, the team won 23 out of their 32 games.
Desiree, who received a Silver Presidential Sports award for her efforts in raising the profile of women's football in South Africa, said: "I am extremely happy to become a part of the Laureus team. I hope that my support will make a difference in the lives of the young people from the various projects."
Bowling all-rounder Shaun Pollock is one ofSouth Africa's greatest cricketers, who was captain of the South African cricket team from 2000 to 2003. He was chosen as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003. In his career he appeared in 107 Test matches in which he took over 400 wickets and scored more than 3,700 runs. He also played for an Africa XI, a World XI, Dolphins and Warwickshire. He announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after his 303rd One Day International on February 3, 2009.
Shaun Pollock said: "Through my career in sport I was able to live my dream and experience an incredible journey. Sport can teach fundamental life lessons of teamwork, discipline, the value of perseverance and commitment, the fun and enjoyment of being active and sport provides an opportunity to grow in confidence and self belief. I look forward to supporting Laureus projects which help to inspire others to reap the diverse rewards sport has to offer."
Morné du Plessis, Chairman of Laureus South Africa, said, "This is a very special day for Laureus and I am delighted to be able to welcome Shaun Pollock and Desiree Ellis as Laureus Ambassadors. Both members were very passionate competitors in their respective fields and we are very lucky they want to devote their energy and commitment to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation causes."
Hylton Kallner, Chief Marketing Officer at Discovery, said: "Discovery is extremely proud to be associated with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the great work they do in using sports as a tool for positive change in communities around South Africa. We would like to welcome Shaun and Desiree and look forward to working closely with them and the Laureus Foundation in communities around South Africa."
Morné du Plessis is a Laureus World Sports Academy Member, a unique collection of 46 of the greatest living sports legends, who volunteer their services as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which was set up to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change.
The Academy Members are supported in their work by the Laureus Friends & Ambassadors, a select group of current and retired sportsmen and sportswomen who have achieved sporting greatness, plus non-sporting personalities who have made significant contributions to the sporting community during their careers. In addition to Desiree Ellis and Shaun Pollock, South African Laureus Friends & Ambassadors are Deshun Deysel, Ernst van Dyk, Frankie Fredericks, Bryan Habana, Baby Jake Matlala, John Moeti, Lucas Radebe, John Robbie, Natalie du Toit and Cynthia Tshaka.