Professor Yunus has been awarded the prize
for "his extensive work in sport for development, including founding the
Yunus Sports Hub, a global social business network".
The Olympic Laurel was introduced at Rio
2016, and is due to be awarded at the Opening Ceremony of each Summer Games.
It is said to link to the Ancient Olympics
and the focus on human development through peace and sport, with its
introduction recommended in Agenda 2020.
Keino, who won steeplechase gold at Munich
1972 and the 1500 metres at Mexico City 1968, was the first recipient in Rio.
Yunus will now follow suit here at Japan
National Stadium on July 23.
"The Olympic Games and sport have the
most convening power in the world," Yunus said.
"We can use this power to change the
world in the most effective ways.
"Sport has the power to transform
lives by galvanising the world, and social business can be the most efficient
tool to unleash this power.
"Sport is natural to all human beings.
"It brings all human strengths and
emotions into play, irrespective of differences.
"That gives it enormous power.
"I urge that we channel this power for
achieving social goals and peace."
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
President Thomas Bach described the work done by Professor Yunus as "exemplary".
Yunus, now
81, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in setting up
the Grameen Bank, which offers "micro loans".
His initiative is said to help poor people
escape from poverty by providing loans on terms suitable to them.
The Professor then worked with the IOC on
its Young Leaders Programme, the Imagine Peace Youth Camp and the Athlete 365
business accelerator - the latter a scheme which helps Olympians adjust after
their competitive sporting careers have come to an end.
He was also on hand to welcome the
inaugural Refugee Olympic Team to the Athletes' Village at Rio 2016.
"We are very thankful for all he is
doing for the Olympic community," Bach said.
"He shares his wealth of knowledge
generously with the athletes and the Olympic community.
"He is a great inspiration for all of
us.
"He helps athletes in their post-sport
career development to become socially responsible entrepreneurs and shares our
vision of how sport can contribute to the sustainable development goals of the
United Nations.
"In particular, with Paris 2024, he is
helping to build a new model for the Olympic Games with minimum impact for the
planet and maximum impact for legacy for the people of the host country."
Yunus was chosen for the Olympic Laurel by
an international jury representing all five continents.
It includes Bach, his predecessor as IOC
President Jacques Rogge and Japanese film director Naomi Kawase.
Canada's former governor general Julie
Payette and South Africa's executive director of UN Women Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka are the other members.
"The Olympic Laurel is conferred upon
outstanding individuals who help build a better world, using the power of sport
to harness change and positivity," said Kawase.
"You will see that this year's
recipient is internationally recognised for relentless work in the empowerment
and upliftment of disadvantaged sections of society."
The base of the trophy to be received by
Yunus is a replica of a stone, hewn from the site of the Games of antiquity in
Ancient Olympia.
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