By 19th Hole Staff | Nov. 5, 2018 | Sport for Good
Michael Strahan & Karolína Kurková | Courtesy Laureus USA
For the first time during the recent New York Fashion Week, Laureus USA brought together sport and fashion to shine a light on Sport for Good. At the Laureus Sport for Good Fashion Show, some of the world’s greatest athletes traded their athletic wear for high fashion to walk the runway at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan. The night raised crucial funds and awareness to support Laureus USA and their mission to improve the lives of for disadvantaged youth and unite communities through the power of sport.
NBA Star Carmelo Anthony & Front Row Celebrities | Courtesy Laureus USA
The Fashion Show was kicked off by Super Bowl Champion, Pro-Football Hall of Famer, Co-host of GMA/GMA DAY, NFL on Fox Analyst, and fashion designer, Michael Strahan and Supermodel, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, Karolína Kurková.
In addition to seeing their favorite sporting legends rocking designer clothing and accessories, guests were treated to food, champagne, and cocktails while enjoying music from DJ Dee Wiz and Doug E. Fresh. World-renowned fashion photographer and Mimeo Photos‘ newly appointed Creative Director, Nigel Barker, curated The Spirit of Champions Collection, an exclusive athlete photo series to support the event.
NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen | Courtesy Laureus USA
The Spirit of Champions Collection, produced by Mimeo Photos and signed by Barker, featured his iconic portraits of the 16 world-class athletes that walked the runway and helped to raise money and awareness at the Laureus Sport for Good Fashion Show. The Spirit of Champions Collection is currently up for auction on Charity Buzz.
“What Laureus is doing is remarkable. Sport For Good breaks down barriers and brings people together,” remarked John Delbridge, CEO, Mimeo. “Working with Laureus, Nigel, and the athletes have been amazing. We look forward to contributing to future fundraising projects and awareness campaigns together.”
Skateboarder Tony Hawk & NBA All-Star David Robinson | Courtesy Laureus USA
“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ Those words inspired the creation of The Laureus Sport For Good Organization. It also set the bar high for the kind of imagery I wanted and truly felt needed to be captured to give the athletes justice and inspire others to get involved.” Explained photographer Nigel Barker, who was behind the collection. “We set out to capture dedication, athleticism, and passion in a still photo by asking each athlete to evoke what they love to do in front of the camera.”
Olympian Carl Lewis | Courtesy Laureus USA
The Mimeo photobooks are up for auction and include portraits and original signatures of Laureus Academy Members Marcus Allen, Nadia Comaneci, Tony Hawk, and Edwin Moses, as well as Laureus Ambassadors Missy Franklin and Lance Thomas. Other photographed athletes include Miles Chamley Watson, Kristi Castlin, Kimberly Chin, Cristen Chin, Carl Lewis, Ibtihaj Muhammad, David Robinson, Alex Shibutani, Maia Shibutani, and Kerri Walsh Jennings.
Olympians Edwin Moses & Ibtihaj Muhammad | Courtesy Laureus USA
The night raised $350,000 to support 501(c)(3) non-profit Laureus USA, which currently supports the growth of 50 programs using sport to empower youth in more than 100 cities nationwide. This year alone, the non-profit has invested over $2.3 million in youth-serving programs that use sport to tackle social challenges in under-served communities. Laureus works with more than 200 athletes worldwide to promote sport as a tool for social change.
Legendary Rapper Doug E. Fresh | Courtesy Laureus USA
Laureus USA is a proud member of the global Laureus network, which includes 9 National Laureus Sport for Good Foundations, the Laureus World Sports Academy, and the Laureus World Sports Awards.
SOURCE: Laureus USA
