Zeitz Foundation Ambassador, Usain Bolt, to compete in Shanghai IAAF Diamond League

At the gathering in Shanghai on 23 May, Bolt will run a 200 m, his second of the year after Kingston on May 1. It will also be the first time Bolt returns to China to compete since his Olympic triumphs and three medals in 2008.

The 2010 IAAF Diamond League circuit begins on 14 May in Qatar, and will be held in 14 cities around the world, with a one-day event at the Shanghai Stadium on 23 May. It replaces the Golden League.

http://www.diamondleague.com/

Zeitz Foundation Planning Workshop

London, December 5^th - The Zeitz Foundation held a first planning workshop with its Ambassadors and Specialists to determine strategic priorities and to discuss potential future programmes. Derek de la Harpe, Specialist for Commerce, facilitated the meeting, which opened with a keynote address by Holly Dublin, Specialist for Conservation. Holly outlined global challenges as well as areas where the Zeitz Foundation could add value.

The Long Run Destinations including the Global Ecosphere Retreat Certification will be at the center of future activities. Specific needs of the destinations will emerge from the certification and the Zeitz Foundation will support its members by seeking funding for these project ideas through different channels.

The fascinating stories behind each destination as well as current activities and news will be featured on the Long Run website: www.thelongrun.com The meeting concluded on Sunday and everybody was in agreement that the dialogue and exchange among this diverse group needs to be continued.

Many thanks to Amadou & Mariam, Marc-Antoine, Jenny, Laurent, Stephen, Auret, Colin, Derek, Holly, Charles and Marika, Rich, Andrea and Sulman for their time commitment and invaluable input.

Launch of the Zeitz Foundation and the Long Run

When a local daily carried a front page picture with the caption “Usain Bolts into Kenya” on the same page with “32 ministers still cling to their prestige limousines” not many people in Laikipia took any notice. But in the next four days Laikipia was constantly in the news as the land of endless horizons, affable people and spectacular wildlife played host to arguably the most recognizable face of modern sport, Usain Bolt. As the fastest man on earth enjoyed his first game drive, Laikipia also staked a claim as a “must visit” for anyone who enjoys a wilderness experience.

But what was the sprint king doing in the land of long distance runners? The likeable and down to earth man from Trelawney Parish in Jamaica was in Kenya as Ambassador for the Zeitz Foundation’s ‘Long Run’ initiative. Founded by Jochen Zeitz, the Chairman and CEO of Puma AG, the foundation is inspired by a vision of the Ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, and is committed to promoting an inclusive, holistic paradigm of conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue.

Through the Long Run, which encompasses 9 Long Run Destinations globally, the Zeitz Foundation is aiming to demonstrate that working toward ecosphere safety can be economically viable if a balance between conservation, community, culture, and commerce is achieved. Segera Ranch is one of these 9 Destinations. Asked why he agreed to be global Ambassador for the initiative, Bolt says "I was attracted to the Long Run because I share its objectives on the conservation of the environment and co-existence of different cultures."

Laikipia being the melting pot of Kenyan cultures, Bolt was not disappointed for the two days he interacted with the locals. On Saturday the 31st October, after a game drive at Segera Ranch, the Kenyan headquarters of the Zeitz Foundation, he was made a Maasai moran and aptly named Loingwany. After an hour of dancing Maasai warrior style Loingwany Bolt was heard telling Collin Jackson, a former Olympic 110 meters hurdles champion and the Zeitz Foundation’s Specialist for Sport “These Maasai men can dance, man! It is like a gym workout.” That dance was perhaps a warm up for the following day as school children gave Bolt and other invited guests from Laikipia a proper cultural “workout” though dance and poetry recital after a luncheon hosted by Mr. Zeitz for local leaders.

The finale of the launch was a showing of HOME movie by celebrated French filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The thought provoking movie shows the diversity of life on Earth and how humanity is threatening the ecological balance of the planet. As the narrator says in the movie, we cannot afford to be pessimistic, each of us has role to play in bringing about ecosphere safety and that is the message of the Zeitz Foundation.

Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson honoured with local ceremony to become Maasai warriors

As part of the launch of the Zeitz Foundation in Kenya, Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson were made honorary Maasai moran or “warriors” during a visit to Segera Ranch in Laikipia. They received the traditional Shuka dress and stick. Both athletes proudly participated in the traditional dancing and chatted with the moran about their culture.

Usain Bolt, Colin Jackson and Jochen Zeitz receive warm welcome in Kenya during launch of Zeitz Foundation

Nairobi, 2 November 2009 - Usain Bolt, Colin Jackson and Jochen Zeitz, in Kenya as part of the official launch of the Zeitz Foundation and The Long Run initiative, were enthusiastically received in Nairobi on Friday. During their 4-day visit to Kenya and to Segera, one of the nine Long Run Destinations, they experienced Kenya’s rich heritage and environment culminating in Bolt and Jackson being made honorary Maasai warriors and adopting endangered wildlife.

During the press conference on Friday that was attended by more than 100 journalists and camera teams, Usain Bolt said, “This is my first visit to Kenya and to Africa. I am excited to be here and I am looking forward to seeing more of Kenya over the coming days, in particular to visit Segera Ranch in Laikipia.”

Segera is part of the global alliance of nine Long Run Destinations around the world that are committed to become ecologically and socially responsible Global Ecosphere Retreats and to protect the integrity of local ecosystems and the cultures and people living within them. The Long Run initiative intends to provide and build sustainable, mostly tourism driven enterprises, community development and cultural stewardship. As the inaugural initiative by the Zeitz Foundation, The Long Run is a practical approach to a sustainable way of living and is endorsed by sprint superstar Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson, former world champion and BBC sports commentator, who act as Ambassador and Specialist for the Zeitz Foundation in order to support its aims and spread its message.

At Segera, Usain and Colin enjoyed a game drive that brought them close to groups of elephants and giraffes and dozens of zebra. “Seeing these animals in their natural environment is an amazing experience. The tranquillity of the place is something very special and its an honor to be a part of The Long Run to ensure that it is protected and continues to exist in this state,” said Colin Jackson. Later on, in a ceremony with twelve local Maasai, the two athletes were made honorary Maasai moran or “warriors” and received the traditional Shuka dress and stick. Both proudly participated in the traditional dancing and chatted with the moran about their culture. A group of local school children joined them on Sunday to watch the movie HOME at Segera Ranch. Jochen Zeitz, Founder of the Zeitz Foundation, said “It means a lot to me to see these children here at Segera and to introduce them to this wonderful movie from Yann-Arthus Bertrand. Its message is so important and we will continue to communicate it beyond today’s event.”

On Monday, Bolt, Jackson and Zeitz had an audience with H.E., the Honorable President Kibaki and senior ministers, who warmly welcomed the party to Kenya and encouraged them to enjoy the wonderful sights and wildlife that Kenya has to offer. At a ceremony attended by the Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Odinga, Bolt, the world’s fastest man, fittingly adopted a cheetah, the fastest animal on land, and Jackson adopted an eland antelope. At the ceremony, Zeitz was made an Honorary Warden of Kenya and a Trustee of the Kenya Wildlife Service Endowment Fund. A game drive in Nairobi National Park concluded the day. Jackson commented, “It has been an impressive trip. I have been to other African countries but I have never seen so many elephants. My only regret is that it has been too short, and I am certain I will be back soon.”

The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Amadou & Mariam as Ambassadors for Culture (Art)

London, October 28th – Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, the musical duo from Mali, met in 1977 while attending the Institute for Young Blind in Bamako. By then, Amadou was already a teenage guitarist in a well-known band. Mariam had, since a young age, sung at weddings and other traditional Malian festivals. They played their first concert in 1980 and embarked on a career that would take them around the globe, win numerous awards and produce with “Dimanche à Bamako” in collaboration with Manu Chao one of the best-selling albums ever to come out of Africa. For their latest album “Welcome to Mali” they worked with other musicians including Damon Albarn on the track “Sabali”, the Somalian rapper K’Naan and Keziah Jones.

Their unique mix of sweet melodies and funky rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy guitar and the duo’s compelling voices make up the vibrant magic of their music. They have their roots deeply planted in Africa and yet they give us music for the world rather than world music.

“Our musical creativity allows us to cross borders, expand horizons and build connections. There is a new opportunity to do so within the Zeitz Foundation, and we are thrilled to embark on The Long Run as a sensible, honest and positive approach to life.”

They join an esteemed group of supporters including:
Ambassador for Commerce: François-Henri Pinault
Ambassador for Conservation: Stephen Hopkins
Ambassador for Culture (Sport): Usain Bolt
Ambassador for Community: Gregory David Roberts
Specialist for Culture (Art): Mark Coetzee
Specialist for Culture (Sport): Colin Jackson
Specialist for Community: Auret van Heerden
Specialist for Conservation: Holly Dublin
Specialist for Commerce: Derek de la Harpe

You can enjoy their music at one of their concerts in November / December 2009:
France:
10. November: Creil - La Faiencerie
11. November: Les Ulis - Espace Boris Vian
12. November: Gap - Le Cube
13. November: Nice - Theatre Lino Ventura
17. November: Tours - Atrium
18. November: Avignon - Salle Montfavet
19. November: Thonex (Switzerland)
21. November: Vienna (Austria) - Konzerthaus
03. December: London (UK) - HMV Forum
11. December: Oslo (Norway)

Stephen Hopkins joins the Zeitz Foundation as Ambassador for Conservation

Award-winning director, writer and producer, Stephen Hopkins, joins the Zeitz Foundatinon's esteemed group of supporters as its Ambassador for Conservation. Born in Jamaica and raised in England and Australia, Hopkins shares with the Foundation a deep passion for the wildlife and the environment.

“I believe that there are innovative ways in which we can all do more. Whether in support of environmental awareness, conservation projects, or the preservation of culture through film and other forms of art, as a part of an overall plan to combine different perspectives, industries, and ways of thinking, the key—I believe—is to find what is most important to us and translate that into action. I think the Zeitz Foundation is absolutely on the right track and I am inspired by their 4key operating principles of being fair, honest, positive and creative in everything they do. It's innovative, and very exciting."

Gregory David Roberts named Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Community

The Zeitz Foundation is grateful for the support of Gregory David Roberts, activist and author of the book Shantaram, for his acceptance as the Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Community.

Says Roberts, "I have watched the Zeitz Foundation for Global Ecosphere Retreats develop from what I consider to be a noble idea to something that has become a practical and sustainable reality. At every stage I have been inspired by the personal vision of Jochen Zeitz, and excited by the contribution that this initiative makes to the better world that most of us want, and all of us desperately need. The new paradigm at the heart of these Global Ecosphere Retreats is an integrated part of the big paradigm shift towards a creative, courageous compassion for all living things in the biosphere—including our beautiful, damaged selves—and I support it passionately, with heart and mind."

Roberts will work alongside the Zeitz Foundation Specialist for Community, Auret Van Heerden, to help guide the Foundation's community-related activities. He is also an ambassador for the humanitarian organization Médicins Sans Frontièrs (Doctors Without Borders).

Olympic Athlete Usain Bolt Among Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors

Usain Bolt, often called the world's fastest man, showed the world in 2008 that determination and persistence can achieve the seemingly impossible. As both a dynamic athlete and personality, Bolt is an emblem of true sportsmanship, embodying the positive spirit of sport.

The World Champion Athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist and Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Sport recently stated, “Sport is not only a personal passion, but a symbol of the spirit and the ability to achieve any goal we set our minds to. As an athlete and as an Olympian, I have experienced the true convening power of sport—to come together, in friendly competition, promoting the values of fair play and respect. Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety promotes these universal values, supporting sport activities that contribute to building a sustainable future while creating a culture of peace.”

Zeitz Foundation Commerce Ambassador, Francois-Henri Pinault

The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce Francois-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of PPR, as its Commerce Ambassador. The Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors represent individuals who have become internationally recognized for their contributions in their fields and who inspire change. Our Ambassadors help by raising awareness and, in tandem with our Specialists, contributing across each of the 4Cs dimensions that are integral to achieving "ecosphere safety"—the dynamic and sustainable balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce. 

Says Pinault, "I believe that every company—whether small or large, for-profit or not-for-profit—regardless of its field, must look into socially responsible and sustainable ways of doing business. In order to tackle challenges, businesses must take the whole picture into account. It is precisely this approach that the Zeitz Foundation has adopted for its paradigm of sustainable commerce and conservation as they work towards realizing their vision for a safer, more sustainable planet. As a businessman who is also a passionate supporter of culture and art, I am personally inspired by their mission and vision.” 

Pinault joins a distingushed group of powerful voices whose support is enabling the Zeitz Foundation to serve as a platform for change.