http://www.nzweek.com/world/ian-thorpe-win-2012-australian-human-rights-medal-36395/

11/12/2012
CANBERRA, Dec. 11 — Ian Thorpe, the legendary Australian swimmer and Olympic champion, has received the 2012 Human Rights Medal from the Australian Human Rights Commission, according to the official website of the Commission on Tuesday. The Commission said Thorpe has been a “passionate advocate for indigenous people” for over a decade.
“His exploits in the pool have made him a household name, but what is less known is that Ian Thorpe has spent more than a decade as a passionate advocate for Indigenous people and young Australians. His Fountain for Youth charity is working with twenty remote communities across the country.” according to the Commission.
“I’d also like to dedicate this award to the people that are on the ground that do this work on a daily basis that contributes to communities that I don’t,” Thorpe said in a video.
Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth began in 2000 and focuses on raising awareness and funds to bring positive change to the lives of indigenous children and their communities by supporting education and cultural programs.