20 quickfire questions with ... Elana Meyer

1. Nickname/s: In my "hay-day" the press often used "Pocket rocket” and gazelle BUT nothing stuck - so I am Elana

2. Greatest sporting moment for that you can recall (in general): When I was 9-years-old and Nadia Comaneci scored a perfect 10 in gymnastics at the Olympics and won multiple gold, and she was just 14-years-old!

3. Childhood sporting hero: Nadia Comaneci

4. Greatest sporting moment personally: To walk onto the Olympic track in Barcelona in 1992 - representing SA after 30 years of isolation - and to bring back a medal for my country  

5. Game or sporting event that you could watch on repeat: The Olympic series - 16 days of Glory

6. Sea or river: Sea

7. Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla

8. Favourite holiday destination: The Bush, Berg and Sea (Thorny Bush, Gouritz and Vleeis Baai - love local !!!)

9. Banana or pineapple on a pizza: Pineapple

10. What would your last meal be: Red thai curry and crème brulee

11. Favourite super hero and why: Tintin (all the adventures)

12. If a movie was made about your life who would play you: I WISH ?? Halle Berry or Penelope Cruz

13. 3 things you would want with you on a desert island: If I can’t take any people with me I would like an avocado trees and a hen that can lay eggs, with an endless water fountain

14. Current series addiction: NOT ME ??

15. Do you have a favourite joke: The most recent one I heard  ??

16. Best piece of advice you have ever received: Surround yourself with positive people  

17. Hobby: I love time in nature with people I love - hiking, running or walking

18. How does Sport for good relate to you: I am a firm believer in the power of sport

19. Laureus programme that you have interacted with, and what they do: Laureus YES Programme, the programme that Laureus co-ordinates each year with kids from each of the programmes

20. What are you and/or your family doing over this time to ensure you keep mentally and physically healthy? We have a home training station including boxing, skipping and we have fun with riddles and challenges. We also set aside time to be grateful, kind and generous!

Who is Laureus?

Laureus is a global movement that celebrates the power of sport to bring people together as a force for good.  The first Patron of Laureus was 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. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.  It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.”

This has become the philosophy of Laureus, the driving belief behind all they do.

Laureus combines Laureus Sport for Good, the Laureus World Sports Academy and Ambassadors Programme and the Laureus World Sports Awards to form a unique organisation that uses the inspirational power of sport as a force for good.

Laureus Sport for Good South Africa

The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation Trust South Africa is a local chapter of the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation. Launched in 2002, SA was the first regional office to be established by Laureus International.

What is the Laureus Sport For Good vision? “Using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Proving that sport can change the world”. 

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa supports over 30 projects nationwide. Every programme supported addresses at least one of the following six social issues, which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 

• Health: Enhancing mental wellbeing and encouraging healthy behaviour change 

• Education: Increased access to and completion of education 

• Women and Girls: Promoting equality, empowerment and safety 

• Employability: Developing skills and creating pathways to employment 

• Inclusive Society: Creating communities which embrace ethnic, cultural and physical differences 

• Peaceful Society: Resolving conflict, promoting community peace-building and creating safe spaces

For more information: https://www.laureus.co.za/