This year, the Laureus Sport for Good Award shortlist includes Kick4Life, a Lesotho-based charity using football to uplift at-risk youth, tackle gender inequality, promote health, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. For nearly two decades, Kick4Life has harnessed the power of sport to drive meaningful change in the Mountain Kingdom.
“Sport can transform lives. We see it every day in Lesotho, and with support from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, we've seen it every day for nearly two decades,” said Steve Fleming, Co-founder of Kick4Life. “Sport has enabled us to challenge gender discrimination, protect the vulnerable, promote health, and provide support for sustainable livelihoods. To be shortlisted for the Laureus Sport for Good Award 2025 is a wonderful recognition of Kick4Life's brilliant staff and volunteers, who dedicate their lives to supporting children and young people, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential—all through the power of sport.”
Kick4Life stands out as a pioneering football club and social enterprise, integrating the sport-for-development model to change lives both on and off the pitch. It was among the first football clubs globally to implement gender-equal budgets, setting a new benchmark for equity in sport.
In addition to Kick4Life’s nomination, other African athletes have also been recognized for their exceptional achievements. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo made history by securing his country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 200m, while Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon became the only three-time Olympic champion in the 1,500m. These remarkable accomplishments highlight the growing impact of Africa on the global sports stage.
Other nominees for the 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award include:
- Figure Skating in Harlem (USA): Using figure skating to support girls' transformation through racial equity.
- Kind Surf (Spain): Offering surf therapy to support young people at risk of social exclusion due to intellectual disabilities.
- Liberi Nantes (Italy): Providing a wide range of sporting activities for refugees and political asylum seekers.
- Paris Basket 18 (France): Focusing on women's sport development and promoting social integration.
- Street League (UK): Helping young people aged 14-30 prepare for employment and training opportunities through sport.