Ballon d'Or adds Socrates award for players who tackle social issues

BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, France, Sept 21 (AFP): The Ballon d'Or organisers said on Wednesday they are adding a humanitarian prize to this year's ceremony named for Socrates the elegant Brazil midfielder, who also held a medical degree.
"The Socrates Prize will identify the best social initiative by committed champions," said a statement from France Football magazine, which awards the Ballon d'Or.
Those initiatives will include those promoting social integration, protection of the environment or aid to groups who are disadvantaged, threatened or victims of conflict.