All Blacks Legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick Leads Inspiring International Day of Charity Visit to Beneficiary Corinthians Africa in Johannesburg

Ahead of the global observance of the United Nations International Day of Charity on 5 September, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa highlighted the work of its Incubation Hub Partner Programme, Corinthians Africa.

Corinthians Africa serves as a beacon of hope in Johannesburg South, using targeted life-skills programmes alongside sport to tackle complex social issues such as fatherlessness, gender inequality, and social exclusion. Through core sporting disciplines including football, netball, and blind football, the project delivers practical education and creates accessible spaces for young people of all abilities.

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, former All Blacks captain and Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick led a delegation of Laureus Ambassadors to visit the project. Joining him to engage with the athletes and community leaders were Ambassadors Dan Nicholl, Motshidisi Mohono, and Amanda Dlamini.

Speaking on the impact of Laureus South Africa, Sean Fitzpatrick noted:

“Visiting Corinthians Africa and seeing the impact of this project first-hand has been incredibly inspiring. Today has shown, without question, what sport for good is all about — using the power of sport to create opportunity, build confidence and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

This experience has taken me back to the very beginning of Laureus and reminded me why we started this journey. What Corinthians Africa is doing is truly impressive, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud. You are a catalyst for the positive change that Laureus stands for.” 

Corinthians Africa is benefiting from capacity-building support offered by the Laureus Incubation Hub. Designed to strengthen organisational sustainability within the social and sport-for-development ecosystems, the Incubation Hub equips grassroots projects with essential training across six critical skills areas.

Marlene Coetzee-George, CEO of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, highlighted the significance of the partnership:

"Laureus was privileged to connect with Corinthians Africa on an empowerment journey through our Incubation Hub programme over the last six months. Learning how the project uses blind soccer, among other offerings, to create hope in uncharted territories has been very inspiring. It was a privilege to visit the programme, celebrate the remarkable work being done, and applaud the team for the impact they continue to make in their community."

Ahead of International Day of Charity: A Call to Action

The International Day of Charity serves as a global reminder of the role charitable work plays in alleviating humanitarian crises and building inclusive societies. For Laureus, true charity goes beyond once-off donations; it is about providing sustainable frameworks that allow grassroots organisations to thrive independently.

As the international community prepares to mark 5 September, Laureus invites the public to champion sustainable community growth. The ongoing work at Corinthians Africa shows how public support translates directly into tangible opportunities for youth across South Africa.

Members of the public who wish to support these community initiatives and help expand the reach of the Incubation Hub are encouraged to contribute directly by visiting the Laureus South Africa Donation Page.

ENDS

- NOTES TO THE EDITOR -

Laureus Sport for Good Foundation - Fostering Social Change Through Sport

Laureus Sport for Good South Africa funds, supports, and promotes the use of sport as a tool for social change.

The Foundation supports a large network of Sport for Social Change organisations in over 100 communities which use sport in innovative ways to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges facing our youth, including poverty, homelessness, gangsterism, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and HIV/AIDS.

Since its inception, Laureus SA has raised over R80 million for projects which have helped improve the lives of over 100,000 young people in South Africa.