Olympic Sailing Hopeful Backs Hospital Sh...( Laser Sailor...),Health

Laser Sailor Paul Goodison goes for gold and aims to give back to Mercy Ships

Garden Valley. TX (Vocus) August 5, 2008 -- Reigning four-time European Laser Champion and one of Britain's greatest medal hopes at the Beijing Olympics, racer Paul Goodison, has announced his support for the international seagoing charity Mercy Ships which provides free medical care to the people of Africa.

While his dreams of winning an Olympic gold are his top priority, Paul has taken the time this week to confirm his support of Mercy Ships as 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, Team Volvo for life sailor, 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 heads to China unbeaten after winning Olympic test events at Qingdao in 2006 and 2007.

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."

Racing for the Laser and Laser Radial classes gets underway on Tuesday 12 August.

"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 honoured to have him join the Mercy Ships Team. An endorsement from an athlete of his calibre is special as it not only brings visibility to our cause, but he will help to serv
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