From 1999 onwards, Laureus Sport for Good has been harnessing the power of sport to bring about social change and create a more promising future for disadvantaged children and adolescents. It achieves this by supporting more than 100 sports projects in 35 countries. “As a former military athlete and keen sportsman, I have experienced and appreciate the positive power of sport, and I know how sport can improve a sense of community or strengthen one’s willpower. I am delighted to support the important work of Laureus Sport for Good, especially in the year of our 150th anniversary,” explains Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.
The special edition
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW324703) has a 41-millimetre case made of black ceramic and is available in a limited edition of 1,500 individually numbered watches. It features the typical blue dial that has become the signature trademark of IWC’s special editions for Laureus. Thanks to the luminescent coating, the black hands can easily be read in the dark. The robust 35111-calibre movement is protected against magnetic fields by a soft-iron inner case, and the glass is secured against sudden drops in air pressure. The embossed black calfskin strap is extremely comfortable to wear.
Like every Laureus special edition, the timepiece features an engraving of the winning entry of the drawing competition that IWC organizes each year within the organization’s supported programmes. The theme for 2017 was “Time to Be Healthy”. The jury selected 11-year-old Ana Claudia’s drawing out of more than 1,000 submissions. Ana participates in a project of Instituto Reação in Brazil. This organization helps to improve the living conditions of Brazilian children and adolescents through education and sport. A part of the proceeds from sales will be used to support Laureus Sport for Good.
The Laureus Sport For Good Ride
After launching the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW324703) the previous day, IWC participated in the Laureus Sport for Good Ride starting in Monaco. IWC ambassadors Maro Engel, David Coulthard, Carmen Jordá and Laureus Academy Members Chris Hoy and Steve Waugh, journalists and influencers including Linda Mutschlechner and Patrick Seabase and cyclists Nadine Rieder, Sofia Wiedenroth and Morgane Such took part in the ride along the scenic coastline of the French-Italian Riviera. Led by double Olympic champion cyclist Fabian Cancellara and together with IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr, the participants raised funds that were donated to Laureus Sport for Good for every kilometer completed.
In Monaco, British footballer Ryan Giggs and Italy’s Francesco Totti were welcomed into the Laureus World Sports Academy, an exclusive circle of living sports legends. Before the Awards Ceremony at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, both received a Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” from IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr.
The Laureus World Sports Awards
Each year, Laureus organizes the Laureus World Sports Awards to honor the world’s most successful athletes. The winners are crowned by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. For the second year in a row, the Laureus World Sports Awards have been held in Monaco. Last year, the event returned to where the inaugural Awards Ceremony had taken place in 2000. Numerous sports stars and celebrities appeared at the gala held in the “Salle des Etoiles” at the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
