Pele

After meeting with Pele a few years ago, it confirmed to me how important sport is in building many life long friendships, squashing social barriers, building confidence, giving vitality and good health to all. Pele came from the slums of Sao Paulo and learnt to play football on the streets, he is an icon of world status. His charity work is extensive, involving himself in peace movements over the world means he is friends with Nelson Mandela. In his career he played 1367 matches in total and scored 1283 goals, yet for all this success and fame he is one the nicest and most humble people you will ever meet, a true ambassador of sport and great role model for all young people. It was a privelege and honour to meet him.

Matt Doran