The Laureus World Sports Awards are presented annually to the best individuals and teams from the global sporting year. The first edition was held in the year 2000, and now in its eight years of existence, the Laureus Awards are considered the "Oscars of Sport".


FC Barcelona have been rewarded with the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award in recognition of their historic agreement with UNICEF.


The Ceremony was held in the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona and FC Barcelona were among the winners for the revolutionary agreement Barca closed with UNICEF this year.


The Barça president send a special message during his acceptance speech in the ceremony on this evening:

This is dedicated to all the most vulnerable children around the world, to FC Barcelona’s fans and members and to everybody who has supported this initiative. Barca is more than a Club. We promote social values and try to be the best and always by being sporting.

FC Barcelona´s first team was nominated for the "Team of Year 2006" award in recognition of the major titles won this year and the wonderful football the team plays. However, the award was presented to Italy, winners of the World Cup 2006 in Germany.


Other winners in this colourful and superbly organised event last night included the two tennis sensations, Serena Williams and Roger Federer.