IWC Schaffhausen

Laureus Watch-Drawing Prize Presented to 9-year-old Sohel in Mumbai

Emotional moment as Steve Waugh presents the Laureus Global Partner watch-drawing prize to nine-year-old Sohel in Mumbai

Date — 2 December, 2011

Mumbai, November 2011 – Little Sohel Abrar Khan, aged nine, enjoyed the best day of his young life as he became the center of attention when Laureus Academy Member and cricketing legend Steve Waugh visited the Magic Bus project in Mumbai.

Sohel was the winner of a worldwide drawing competition for the design to be featured on the Ingenieur Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Legendary Australian cricket captain Waugh was in Mumbai to congratulate the youngster and present him with his prize. It is the fifth time a special edition watch – sales of which will benefit the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – has been created and on each occasion youngsters from Laureus- supported projects around the world have taken part in the competition. The winning design is engraved on the back of the watch. This year, the jury chose the illustration by Sohel, who interpreted the theme of the competition – “Time for Unity” – with a picture showing seven young people who have gathered for a game of football. The engraving is a reminder that a portion of the proceeds from sales is destined to help disadvantaged children in some of the world’s problem regions.

Steve Waugh, who captained Australia in 57 Test matches, visited the Magic Bus project in Mumbai Port Trust, South Mumbai, where he played street cricket with the excited youngsters who attend the project. Steve said: “I have a real affinity and strong bond with India particularly as I have been coming here for over 25 years, but I think being able to meet young Sohel and give him his prize was one of the best moments I have experienced. You could see the delight in his eyes and the pride in what he had achieved. It is a perfect example of how Laureus can give opportunities to young people that they would not normally get. I wish him all the best in the future as I do all the kids at Magic Bus. It really is a fantastic concept and does a terrific job in difficult circumstances.”

Watch the video

Magic Bus provides opportunities for less privileged children through recreation and sports, creating “classrooms without walls” for these children, using football, outdoor activities and games to promote holistic development, life skills education, gender equality, health and hygiene, while reducing community tensions, anti-social behaviour and the appeal of crime. The Ingenieur Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation from the IWC Vintage Collection represents a beacon of hope for a better future. Crafted in stainless steel, it is limited to 1,000 watches. Since 2005, IWC Schaffhausen has been a Global Partner of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Further information
IWC Schaffhausen
Uwe Liebminger
Department Manager Public Relations
Mobile +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail uwe.liebminger@iwc.com

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