Formula One F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 1, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during a press conference REUTERS/Amanda PerobelliSAO PAULO, Nov 1 (Reuters) – Lewis Hamilton said he felt “incredibly proud” to see Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior receive this year’s Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony and vowed to continue speaking out against racism.
Brazilian Vinicius, who has been racially abused in LaLiga games in the last two seasons, was recognised for starting a foundation that is building schools in impoverished areas and investing in education in his home country.
“It’s really remarkable to see people out there who are facing such challenges and are just being brave in the face of it,” Hamilton told Reuters on Wednesday in an interview ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.Knighted by his own country, Hamilton was also granted honorary Brazilian citizenship last year and met the 23-year-old forward at this year’s Italian Grand Prix. headtopics.com
“It was a real honour to meet him, he brought such great energy to the team,” said the Mercedes driver, known for his social activism including his defense of minority groups and environmental causes. Vinicius, the only Brazilian in the top 10 in the nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or, said he would remain strong in the fight against racism as he accepted the Socrates Award from the Prince of Monaco on Monday.
The Vini Jr. Institute, created in 2020, aims to use the popularity of soccer to help innovations in teaching and learning in Brazilian public schools.Hamilton praised the soccer star for leading by example.”And to win that reward not only for being a great athlete but for being a great spokesperson for people and for the culture, I think it is very honourable.” headtopics.com
Gabriel is a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based reporter covering Latin America’s financial and breaking news from the region’s largest economy. A graduate of the University of Sao Paulo, joined Reuters while in college as a Commodities & Energy intern and has been with the firm ever since. Previously covered sports – including soccer and Formula One – for Brazilian radios and websites.
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