One Mission! Laureus Charity Night 2025

Sweaty in the morning and super glamorous in the evening? That’s what happens at the Laureus Charity Night.

The day began with the “Run for Good,” a 10-kilometer run from the  x-bionic HQ to the Kongresshaus Zürich. Around 100 participants, including Laureus ambassadors and guests from sport integration programs, laced up their shoes to support inclusion through sport. These programs help children and young adults from disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds build confidence, community, and resilience through physical activity.

And what a warm-up! Sean Fitzpatrick, legendary All Blacks captain and current Chairman of the Laureus Academy, led us in a rousing Haka—a traditional Māori war dance that symbolizes unity, strength, and challenge. It was hilarious, energizing, and slightly out of our comfort zones. But Sean (or “Patrick,” as we called him that morning) had us laughing and moving in seconds. Even the most reserved Swiss runners couldn’t help but smile.

Then came the evening. Just wow. The Kongresshaus Zürich transformed into a glittering celebration of sport and purpose. On the newly designed Laureus blue Carpet, icons like Edwin Moses, Fabian Cancellara, Maria Riesch, Mujinga Kambundji, Simon Ehammer, Daniela Ryf, Katrina Witt and Stéphane Chapuisat made their entrance. The atmosphere was electric, but the mission was clear: to raise funds for Laureus Sport for Good.

Laureus has spent 25 years using sport to connect people and offer new perspectives to children and youth worldwide. The foundation supports over 15,000 children annually in Switzerland alone, and more than 300 programs in over 40 countries. Its goal? To help young people lead positive, self-determined lives—regardless of background, gender, or ability—through the values and joy of sport.

CHF 100 tickets for the morning run were just the beginning. Guests and companies also bought tables and participated in an auction packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Athletes donated their time and presence to create unforgettable moments: Edwin Moses offered a track experience at Weltklasse Zürich with Swiss legend Werner Günthör; Fabian Cancellara invited two guests to join him at the Tour de France; and Urs Lehmann organized a trip to the Olympics, including a downhill race with Marco Odermatt and a piste experience with Franz Klammer. Newly appointed ambassadors Patrick Fischer and Roman Josi added a VIP package for the Ice Hockey World Championship, complete with training alongside the national team.

One of the most coveted items? Toto Wolff’s race-worn IWC Big Pilot’s Watch from the Singapore Grand Prix, auctioned via Bonhams. The proceeds went directly to Laureus programs, including “Believe in Yourself,” which supports girls and young women in violence prevention.

I got to meet Edwin Moses—a hero of mine. Not just for his Olympic gold medals and nearly decade-long undefeated streak in the 400m hurdles, but for his mind. A physicist and Laureus Academy Member, Edwin developed a 13-step technique between hurdles that revolutionized the sport. He’s a perfect blend of body and brains, and his commitment to fairness and youth empowerment through Laureus is deeply inspiring.

I also met Mariela Garibay, whose sculpture was auctioned that night. Her work, known for its gentle, childlike forms, captured the essence of Laureus’s mission: wonder, peace, and human connection.

The generosity of the guests was overwhelming. A total of CHF 1,126,393 was raised to support Laureus programs in the coming year. Switzerland may seem reserved, but when it comes to giving, it’s anything but cold.

I missed Marcel Hug in the evening, but caught him during the run. He’s always gracious, even when I tell him how much I admire him—he gets adorably embarrassed. That’s the Swiss athlete spirit: humble, kind, and quietly powerful.

From sweat to sparkle, from laughter to legacy—Laureus Charity Night 2025 was a celebration of sport’s power to unite, uplift, and transform. And we’re already counting down to the next one.