Beirut Marathon Association Founder Wins Laureus Sports Award

Beirut Marathon Association founder May el-Khalil won this year's Laureus “Sport for Good Award” on Monday.

The No. 1-ranked tennis player Rafael Nadal — winner of three Grand Slam tennis titles in 2010 — was named sportsman of the year, beating nominees including Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and Barcelona footballers Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, winner of the women's downhill at the Vancouver Games and a third consecutive overall World Cup title, took the sportswoman's award. High jumper Blanka Vlasic and tennis players Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Caroline Wozniacki were among the other nominees.

The winners are chosen by 46 sports stars who make up the Laureus sports academy.

Proceeds from the awards ceremony underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation which supports 83 community sports projects around the world.(AP-Naharnet)