World

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

…and role model

When the presidential elections in Ivory Coast sparked unrest and bloodshed on the streets, Didier Drogba starred in a newspaper campaign giving violence the red card. He also rushed to the aid of Germany, supporting charity fund raising for flood victims at the farewell game for Michael Ballack in Leipzig on June 5, 2013.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

Marathon runner and politician

Wesley Korrir is a politically committed athlete. Winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon, he was elected as a deputy to the Kenyan parliament in March 2013 and represents Cherangani. But he's not neglecting his sporting career. He took part in the Boston Marathon again this year and was fifth past the finishing line – completing the race before it was overshadowed by the terror attacks.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

One of the NBA greats

The late Manute Bol was also committed to political change. The 2 meters 31 centimeters tall National Basket Ball Association (NBA) player criticized the war in his home country Sudan at a peace march in Philadelphia. Together with his Ring True Foundation, he collected donations for Sudanese refugees. The foundation now helps African athletes with their education.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

An African woman triumphs at the Games...

An unforgettable moment for Moroccan hurdler Nawal El Moutawakel. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, she won the 400 meter women's hurdles and became the first African Muslim woman to pick up Olympic Gold.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

...and then embarks on a career at the IOC

29 years later Nawal El Moutawakel is a vice-president of the International Olympic Committee. She is also playing a pivotal role in the planning of the 2016 Games in Rio and had a meeting with Pele, the Brazilian football legend. El Moutawakel is still hugely popular in her native Morocco.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

Scoring for Cameroon...

Football legend Roger Milla leapt to fame at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. His goals made Cameroon the first African team to reach a World Cup quarter finals. He celebrated every goal with a dance around a corner flag.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

...and helping others

Roger Milla used his popularity on the football field to support good causes. In 2001 he became the first African to be chosen as an ambassador for UNAIDS, the UN body charged with fighting the pandemic.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

Assisting the young

A track and field athlete specializing in 800m, Maria de Lurdes Mutola won gold at three World Championships and at the Olympics. In her home country Mozambique, she helps young sporting talent with her Lurdes Mutola Foundation and also encourages, with the support of UNICEF, parents to get their children inoculated against measles and polio.

Africa's role models - on and off the pitch

Coming last for a good cause

In Salt Lake City in 2002, Isaac Menyoli became the first cross country skier from Cameroon ever to take part in the Winter Olympics. He was the last to finish the 15 km course. But he did not ski to win, but to draw attention to AIDS back home. He did just that in an interview directly after the race, achieving publicity which would have been denied to him without the Olympics.

Author: Nadina Schwarzbeck / mc | Editor : Asumpta Lattus