Lewellyn de Wee, founder of local athletics academic Anton Bantu Foundation, was invited to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s annual summit held in Sun City on Wednesday 19 October.
The 2022 edition of the South African summit brought Laureus SA ambassadors, sponsors and partners together as well as Laureus-supported grassroots programmes for two days of networking, learning, creating new connections and exchanging ideas.
The event also coincided with the Youth Empowerment through Sport (YES) graduation, where a new group of community and Sport for Good leaders and change makers were introduced.
De Wee, a Macassar resident, was one of the first affiliates of the Laureus Sport for Change back in 2002.
“It was really an honour for me to be among such influential people and former sports stars who really come together to make a change for the better,” he said.
De Wee helps transform the lives of those in his disadvantaged community through sport. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for his commitment towards seeing others improve their lives throughout the Helderberg.
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA funds, supports and promotes the use of sport as a tool for social change.
The SA Foundation has a network of 35 sporting development organisations in over 100 communities, using sport in innovative ways to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges facing youths, including poverty, homelessness, gangsterism, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and HIV/Aids.
According to De Wee, being from the local community and rubbing shoulders with international role models is proof that opportunities are available and it’s important to never give up hope.
“It is incredibly motivating to be acknowledged for the hard work that’s been put in over the years,” he pointed out. “It is something that just fuels my desire to continue a holistic approach to sport and helping others reach their full potential.”
