IWC Schaffhausen
An IWC Insider’s Experience of the Laureus World Sports Awards
Though spring was not quite upon us (in fact, the unexpected snow had things looking decidedly wintery!), our partnership with Laureus Sport for Good was already in full bloom. So, we arrived in Monaco in high spirits for one of our favorite events of the calendar year – The Laureus World Sports Awards.
For Laureus, sport is the perfect vehicle to affect social change on a global scale. Bringing together a remarkable community of influential personalities through the Laureus World Sports Awards allows the foundation to amplify its crucial mission. The event inspires a progressive outlook while placing a focus on the projects most in need of Laureus’ support. These few days play an integral role in broadening the foundation’s reach beyond traditional frontiers.
The awards are also an opportunity for us at IWC to strengthen our push for sustainability. As an ecologically and socially minded enterprise, we hold a deep respect for a foundation that brings hope and promise to disadvantaged communities throughout the world. We will always do our utmost to facilitate its development.
“The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” Limited Edition
Since 2006, we have celebrated our partnership with Laureus by unveiling a limited-edition watch – and 2018 was to be no different.
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW324703) took direct inspiration from the colors of the foundation. From the blue dial right down to the red design detail, the watch reflected Laureus, through-and-through. Moreover, we had run a contest in which children from around the globe drew an image relating back to the theme of “Time to Be Healthy”, with the winning drawing engraved on the back of the watch. The entire concept is emblematic of Laureus’ philosophy of inclusiveness.
As has become tradition, the event commenced with the handover of Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” watches to the two new Laureus Academy members: Francesco Totti and Ryan Giggs. Esteemed figures, known worldwide for their contributions to domestic and international football. They are highly-regarded for increasing the stature of sports in general.
There’s little doubt the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” watch will be in high demand thanks to the limited production of just fifteen-hundred. Laureus are sure to welcome such popularity as a portion of the sales proceeds is donated directly to Laureus projects themselves. These iconic collector's timepieces demonstrate the depth of our collaboration.
Cycling Despite the Snow
No Laureus event would be complete without a healthy dose of sporting activity, even with the unseasonably cold conditions and unexpected snow. For a second year running, this arrived on two wheels. Fronted by Laureus Ambassador and double-Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara, the Laureus Sport for Good Ride was a free-wheeling success.
A curtailed course did not get in the way of the event as The Laureus Foundation united with its closest corporate partners. IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz joined forces to create a unique shared experience for all those involved while placing charity front-and-center under the #SportForGood banner.
The #SportForGood hashtag spurred on donations that went directly to Laureus Sport for Good, with participants raising funds for every kilometer cycled. Laureus will use these funds to support over one hundred unique sporting programs that span thirty-five different countries.
With thirty-five bikes in total – plus each cyclist wearing a customized jacket and jersey – the high-profile group made for quite a spectacle while speeding through the principality. Not only was the bike ride a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the guests, but it also represented a compelling fund and profile-raiser for the project.
We must commend the performance of our CEO Mr. Christoph Grainger for keeping up with the double-Olympic champion Cancellara! It must be said the duo was in good company as IWC ambassadors Maro Engel, David Coulthard, Carmen Jordá and Laureus Academy Members Chris Hoy and Steve Waugh – among others – joined them for the bike ride.
The Red Carpet Challenge
The Laureus World Sports Awards may have been a gathering of the top performers in their respective fields, but the event is about so much more – and the whole experience underpins that.
As we saw in 2017, the #sneakersforgood reappeared as pristine trainers complemented evening dress in all their dazzling glory. The initiative focused attention on the sporting roots of the foundation while bringing a light-hearted atmosphere to the red carpet. This helps guests enter into the spirit of what is, at its heart, a joyous occasion.
As a spin on previous outings, the ‘Keepy-Uppy’ red-carpet-challenge was a subtle way to raise a few extra smiles as it seemed some stars might have left their footballing skills at home. Then, in tune with the themes of social innovation, a few of our guests gleefully accepted a unique 3-D photo opportunity.
The Laureus Sports Awards
The Laureus Awards were, as ever, an uplifting few days. It never ceases to amaze us what such large-scale partnerships can achieve. The power of these sportsmen and women’s personalities is a driving force behind social change. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is the catalyst that brings it all to fruition.
To be part of such an inspiring initiative is a real honor.
We return each year in the hope that our support continues to spur on the work of Laureus, as much as this being our way of contributing back to society. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW324703) is an emblem of appreciation for a truly worthy cause, a show of gratitude for our inclusion in the event and, hopefully, a valuable asset to Laureus thanks to the proceeds raised.
The long-term partnership certainly represents an initiative of which our CEO Mr. Christoph Grainger-Herr is incredibly proud.
“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,”
Sport as a vehicle for scalable social change is a proven model. At IWC, we strive to be the agent of change in our society. Through partnering with Laureus, we are stepping ever-closer to this ambitious goal.
For the love of sport
IWC Schaffhausen celebrated the Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco in the company of celebrities and influencers from the world of sports. Find out more.
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