Leah Williams (9) from Factreton says she hopes the drawing, which saw her being selected for the final round of the 2022 IWC Watch Drawing Competition, inspires people to preserve mother nature.
Williams was one of three youths from Laureus Sport for Good programmes in Spain, South Africa and Brazil, whose designs have been selected for the competition.
The nine-year-old’s artwork is a drawing of a hand with the planet earth attached to it. She explains the meaning behind her drawing.
“I drew a picture with the planet in the palm of my hand. The message is that people should keep our planet safe. We need to have time for the planet, to keep and restore the wildlife and nature.”
The competition is an annual collaboration between Laureus Sport for Good and IWC Schaffhausen, global partners since 2005.
This year’s theme was “Time for the Planet”, a focus on the environment and climate change.
Laureus Sport for Good programmes use the power of sport to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage – as shown by this year’s finalists.
Although the youngster did not win the top spot, she explains she is elated that she progressed that far in the competition.
“I feel proud of myself and I was excited. I love drawing. And I would maybe want to be an artist one day.”
Williams, a Kenmere Primary School learner, is part of HealthNutz (the Laureus-supported project in Cape Town) where young children from previously under-served communities develop gross and fine motor skills by participating in play.
Williams has been part of the HealthNutz programme since January 2020 and says it makes her feel happy, sporty and keeps her energised:
“We do exercises to keep fit. We go over obstacles and we have fun.”
Leah’s mom, Monique says her daughter’s confidence and self-esteem have grown since she joined the HealthNutz programme.
She says they are proud of Leah’s achievement.
“We are extremely proud of her. She is the first in the family to be able to represent South Africa on an international scale.”
Williams was up against twelve-year-old Gema who attends the Rafa Nadal Foundation in Palma, Spain, and 13-year-old Joao Paulo, a participant in Bola Pra Frente, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Joao walked away with the honours when the winner was announced on Wednesday 26 October.
Chris Grainger-Herr, Chief Executive Officer of IWC Schaffhausen, praised the finalists.
He says they are impressed by the creativity the young participants put into their designs.
Sean Fitzpatrick, All Blacks rugby legend and chair of Laureus Sport for Good, says: “The topic, ‘Time for the Planet’ couldn’t be more important in today’s world, and I’m proud that both Laureus Sport for Good and IWC are committed to using our collective platform to advocate for climate issues. On behalf of the Laureus Academy, I’d like to thank IWC for their incredible and ongoing support for Laureus and congratulate Gema, Leah and Joao on their wonderful designs.”
