Seven-times All-Star Paul was announced as the latest Laureus Ambassador during a special visit to the KIPP Central City Primary School in New Orleans, where he was checking on the progress of the AfterSchool Zone programme, an initiative launched by his own CP3 Foundation in 2010.

The programme is a multi-year project which provides after-school support, including sport, language lessons and homework help to disadvantaged children.

The 28-year-old has special ties with New Orleans after he spent the first six years of his professional career with National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the New Orleans Hornets (now known as Pelicans).

Paul says he wants to help youngsters get the opportunities he had to play sport and take part in extra-curricular activities.

New Laureus Ambassador Chris Paul on a visit to the KIPP Central City Primary School in New Orleans ©Laureus



"I will never forget how much of my success today I owe to my family and the fact that they supported me as I grew up and continue to support me and my wife and children today," said Paul, who joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011 and has two Olympic gold medals from Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

"Most important of all, I'm thinking of my grandfather.

"He taught me the values that have made me who I am today.

"Not everyone is lucky enough to have that person and this is why I am so passionate about giving back to young people who might be in need of someone to guide them through tough times.

"It's this kind of work I'm so excited about taking on as I become a Laureus Ambassador."

"My work with my own CP3 Foundation is a source of incredible pride.

"The CP3 AfterSchool Zone, that gives kids safe places to enjoy activities ranging from arts to sports, has shown me how important it is to give young people ways to make the most of themselves."

Students listen intently as Chris Paul addresses them in New Orleans ©Getty Images



Laureus USA, along with partner Mercedes-Benz USA, has been involved in projects in New Orleans for the past two years and has invested more than $500,000 (£300,000/€363,000) in a number of programmes.

Welcoming Paul as the latest Laureus Ambassador, chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Ed Moses, said: "It is an extraordinary honour to welcome world class athlete and fellow philanthropist Chris Paul to the Laureus Family.

"We are excited to join forces with Chris and look forward to working together to spread the word about how investing in quality sports-based youth development programmes can make an enormous impact in children's lives."

Since its establishment in 2000, the Foundation says it has raised more than $83 million (£49 million/€60 million) for a worldwide programme of sports-related community development initiatives.

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