Mercedes-Benz and the Laureus Foundation Harness the Power of Sports at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz, the Official Vehicle of the US Open and Global Partner of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, is highlighting sporting excellence and the use of sport as the means to promote social change on Saturday, August 28, 2010 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day in Flushing Meadows.

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Laureus World Sports Academy Members and Ambassadors attending are Skateboard World Champion Tony Hawk, Tennis Great Martina Navratilova, NFL Star Marcus Allen and Laureus Award recipient and US Open Wheelchair champion Esther Vergeer.

The Laureus Foundation, and Mercedes-Benz USA will be hosting 200 children at the US Open family day from four sports-based projects that are supported by Laureus USA throughout New York City: World Class Boxing Gym, Fight Back, I Challenge Myself, Rusty Staub's Police and Fire Widow and Children's Fund.

Multi-skateboard world champion Tony Hawk will address 200 children with his own inspirational experiences. Hawk says, “Skateboarding changed my life and gave me a sense of purpose. I am honored to talk to these young people from difficult and different backgrounds in order to explain how sport can make a difference to everyone, not just sporting champions. It is an important lesson that is too often missed by today's youth.”

“The Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kick-off to the US Open is an inspiring event for kids and an opportunity to create a positive environment for them to learn about tennis and personal skills from accomplished athletes that they can use to be more successful in their everyday lives,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

“I agree with Steve this is a wonderful opportunity for the children. Laureus is grateful to participate in an event where young people are able meet inspirational athletes and visit one of the worlds’ iconic sporting venues. We all believe in the Laureus mission.” Sport for a Good Foundation,” said Dan Mawicke, President of Richemont NA & Laureus Director

The day will consist of the USTA SmashZone, free tennis clinics, interactive games, face painting and a concert featuring the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and David Archuleta are part of the day's agenda in addition to seeing the sports' top players including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijster.

The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique association of 46 of the greatest living sporting legends who volunteer their time to act as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The mission of the Laureus Foundation is to utilize the power of sport to address social challenges through a global program of sports-related community development initiatives. Laureus was founded ten years ago and now supports more than 80 projects in 32 countries.

Laureus is about to launch a fitness campaign in the US with a “kids total fitness” message. Laureus athletes along with celebrity chefs are teaming up to educate children about the importance of sport and nutrition.

ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.  

ABOUT LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD FOUNDATION

The Patron of Laureus is Nelson Mandela. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, President Mandela said: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair." This has become the philosophy of Laureus; the driving force behind its work.

Laureus was founded by its Patrons Daimler and Richemont and is supported by its Global Partners Mercedes-Benz, IWC Schaffhausen and Vodafone.

For more information about Laureus go to www.laureus.com, www.laureusUSA.com or email [email protected]

Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA