As leading advocate for champions social commitment, Peace and Sport is delighted to announce that the documentary “Rise: Siya Kolisi Story ” produced by Orange Films and Star Films production company has been awarded at the prestigious SPORTEL Award. This accolade recognizes the remarkable achievements of this inspirational documentary, which sheds light on the extraordinary journey of Siya Kolisi, a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity.

The story of the first black South African rugby captain who against all odds led the South African national team to win the 2019 World Cup Rugby and in turn unites the country. Kolisi vulnerably reflects on the various challenges he has tackled on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the Springboks’ first black African captain.

Proceeds from “Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story” are channeled back to the community and various worthy causes supported by the Kolisi family.

With Siya Kolisi story, the documentary contributes to illustrate Peace and Sport’s mission to leverage the importance of athletes as role model in our society and to mentor them in their social commitment.

Siya Kolisi, Champion for Peace, RWC 2019 Winner, South Africa national team captain, declared:

“I wanted to authentically show viewers what the township looks like and how more people need to come and invest in these areas. For me, some of my best memories are from the township, and it’s the people in my community who motivate me every day.I now have the platform to hopefully be able to change the stories of those kids growing up in similar circumstances, but at the same time the biggest thing for me is to change the mindset while they’re still living in tough conditions.”

Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport,declared:

“Films have the ability to convey the emotions and values transmitted by sport. The documentary “Rise, the Siya Kolisi story”, highlights brilliantly how sport, acts  in overcoming community challenges. Our Champions for Peace as role models have the power to inspire and connect with audiences around the world. With this conviction, and mission to mentor such athletes wiling to demonstrate their social commitments to building fairer and inclusive societies I Peace and Sport has created in 2022, in partnership with L’Equipe Group, the Socrates Prize awarded with prestigious Ballon d’Or Ceremony.”

About Peace and Sport

Peace and Sport is an international, neutral and independent organization based in Monaco, which promotes peace using the power of sport.

Founded in 2007 by Modern Pentathlon Olympic Medallist and World Champion Joël Bouzou, Peace and Sport is placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Peace and Sport calls on international decision-makers to deploy the intentional use of sport as a tool for transmitting values for peace, relying on its universality, on its Champions for Peace and on field actors.Aware that athletes are also citizens who can play a role in society, Peace and Sport created in 2009  the Champions for Peace Club, a group of more than 120 athletes of some forty nationalities from all five continents. Heroes, role models and sources of inspiration for young people around the world, they dedicate part of their time, their fame, and their experience as athletes to projects using sport to address social, economic, and educational issues.

About Peace and Sport Documentary Prize and Sportel Awards

Since 2014, in partnership with the Sportel Awards, Peace and Sport rewards directors who are tackling themes to demonstrate that sport can move barriers and norms in society.

Ruth Gbagbi, twice Olympic Medalist, will reward Rachel Kolisi, Kolisi Foundation CEO, and Tebogo Malope, the documentary Director, on stage with the Peace and Sport Documentary Prize during the Sportel Awards Ceremony.