Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation ambassadors

Olympic heroes sign up for the cause

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation has revealed Paul Goodison, Stevie Morrison and Bryony Shaw as its first official Ambassadors. Sir Ben Ainslie made the announcement at the London Boat Show yesterday on the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation stand. The trio competed alongside Simpson as members of Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Ambassadors will be supporting the work of The Foundation by inspiring the next generation and one of the activities they we be involved with will be visiting schools to encourage children to realise what opportunities there are in sport and what benefits there are of getting involved in sporting activities. The aim is for the Ambassadors to become role models to the communities they visit. 

The Foundation will be announcing a number of other ambassadors and details of its plans over the coming months.

Paul Goodison, Beijing 2008 Laser gold medallist commented: “I’m delighted to be involved in keeping Andrews spirit alive, he was not just a best friend but the guy I always reached out to for help and advice. He always had the answers and made everything so obvious that it seemed stupid to have even questioned it. I am looking forward to help support and guide young sailors in a way that Andrew inspired and helped so many people in his life. It’s a real honour to be involved with the foundation and help inspire a younger generation.”

Bryony Shaw, RS:X bronze medallist from Beijing added: “Andrew had the ability to inspire you like no one else and always had time to give advice in his own unique way. We were paired as buddies for London 2012 so we had each other’s back, he was always a good listener. I’m delighted to be an ambassador towards his legacy and keep his spirit alive."

Stevie Morrison, 49er Olympian and World Champion said: “Over the course of my 49er Olympic campaigns Bart was always the go to guy whenever you needed some advice and input into any aspects of your sailing. A pat on the back before a big day of racing would fire you up and send you off ready for battle. I hope by being involved with the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, I can just in a small way make kids new to the sport be as excited by what it has to offer, as Bart would always do for the Olympic Team."