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US Olympians join #TargetEbola

25 | 10 | 2014

Olympians and Paralympians from the South West chapter of the US Olympians and Paralympians Association came to the Medisend HQ in Dallas to help load up two containers of medical supplies which will be flown to Sierra Leone as part of the World Olympians Association’s  #TargetEbola campaign. The Dallas Olympians and Paralympians joined in with members of the Sierra Leone community in Dallas and other volunteers to help label and load nearly 2,000 boxes which contained such vital supplies as surgical and examination gloves, gowns, protective masks, goggles, syringes and iv infusion sets.

The supplies have been sourced and the containers sent by Medisend International, a Dallas based Humanitarian NGO which is a global leader and innovator in transforming healthcare systems in developing countries. Medisend also sends medical supplies and equipment to in need countries around the world.

Medisend CEO Nick Hallack said: “It was great to have the support of the Dallas Olympians here today. They were an inspiration for our staff members and the Sierra Leone community who were so grateful for their help and support. If the Dallas Olympians are anything to go by, I’m sure Olympians around the world will support #TargetEbola with enthusiasm and resolve.”

2014 USA Bobsled Olympian Johnny Quinn said: “As Olympians we are in a unique and privileged position to help others. The goal is to bring awareness to Ebola and encourage people to help raise money to send medical supplies and equipment to those who need it most. We’re asking everyone to go to targetebola.org/donate. Every single dollar helps.

Johnny talking about #TargetEbola.

1976 USA Weightlifting Olympian Sammy Walker said: “We’re delighted to be here to support #TargetEbola. The situation in Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries is very bad and we want to help in any way we can. When the call came out to help, our members wanted to do what we could and I’m excited to be here to help.”

Sammy talking about #TargetEbola.

The WOA is also appealing to the rest of its 100,000 strong Olympian community around the world to get involved and publicise#TargetEbola, the donation link, www.targetebola.org/donate, and the SMS details, Text TARGET to 70066 [UK only], by posting selfies via social media.

The #TargetEbola selfie kit can be downloaded here: www.targetebola.org/selfie

Olympians and the general public are encouraged to print off the kit and pose for a ‘selfie’. Alternatively anyone can write #TargetEbola,targetebola.org/donate and the SMS number on a piece of paper and take a selfie with it.

The fastest man in the world and six-time Olympic Gold Medallist, Usain Bolt, and other Olympic legends including Claudia Bokel, Sergey Bubka, Carl LewisKoji Murofushi, Pernilla Wiberg, Yang Yang and HSH Prince Albert II are already supporting the campaign.