Laser Sailor Paul Goodison Goes for Olympic Gold and Aims to Give Back to Mercy Ships
"The work Mercy Ships does to supply people around the world with much needed medical care is fantastic and I am excited about being able to help spread the message."
(Beijing, China / Garden Valley, Texas)—While his dreams of winning an Olympic gold are his top priority in the next two weeks, Laser sailing champion Paul Goodison has thrown his support behind an international medical and relief mission.
As reigning four-time European Laser Champion and one of Britain's greatest medal hopes at the Beijing Olympics, Goodison announced his support for the international seagoing charity Mercy Ships, which provides free medical care to the people of Africa.
While Goodison battles for an Olympic gold medal in China he said he is acutely aware that the suffering of millions of people around the world will continue throughout the Games.
Paul said: "The work Mercy Ships does to supply people around the world with much needed medical care is fantastic and I am excited about being able to help spread the message. I am looking forward to working with Mercy Ships."
Goodison won his fourth consecutive Laser European Championship title in Belgium last month and is touted as the "man to watch" for laser competition in Beijing. He competes in China unbeaten after winning Olympic test events at Qingdao in 2006 and 2007. (Photo: USOC/NBC Olympics)
He continued: "I feel ready for China. My training has been great, I feel fit, and to become European Champion for the fourth year running in such challenging conditions gives me great confidence going in to the Olympics."
"We are thrilled that Paul has committed to supporting our effort to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor of the world. Paul's success in competitive sailing is substantial and we are honored to have him join the Mercy Ships Team," stated Mercy Ships Interim CEO Sam Smith.
"An endorsement from an athlete of his caliber is special as it not only brings visibility to our cause, but he will help to serve as a great example of success through hard work and focus."
Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships is a leader in using hospital ships to deliver free world-class health care and community development services to the forgotten poor. Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has worked in over 70 countries providing services valued at more than $670 million.
Mercy Ships has treated more than 230,000 people in village medical clinics, performed more than 35,000 surgeries, 190,000 dental treatments and completed over 950 construction and agricultural projects, including schools, clinics, orphanages and water wells.
Racing for the Laser and Laser Radial classes gets underway on Tuesday, August 12. Updates on Paul's Olympic campaign can be found by CLICKING HERE.
To read this full report from ASSIST News Service, follow the link provided.
