Dr. Jessie Stone, world-class kayaker & African health activist is named the 2014 Aquapac Outdoor Champion
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LONDON – Dr. Jessie Stone, a former member of the U.S. Freestyle Kayak team and founder of Soft Power Health – an organization that provides health care services in Uganda – has been selected as Aquapac’s 2014 Aquapac Outdoor Champion.
Designed to showcase individuals whose accomplishments highlight a balance between conservation, humanitarianism and recreational accomplishments, the Aquapac Outdoor Champion is awarded $1,500 in cash from Aquapac in recognition of her past achievements and to support her future endeavors. The winner also receives a selection of Aquapac’s 100% waterproof cases and bags.
“Jessie Stone represents all that is right with the dedicated and passionate people in the outdoor world,” said Tim Turnbull, CEO of Aquapac. “Yes, she is an accomplished paddler, but it’s her energy and willingness to give back to the world around her that really sets her apart. Her list of accomplishments is astounding, and we’re so very proud she’s accepted our invitation to be our 2014 Outdoor Champion.”
A native of Purchase, NY, Stone founded the Inner City Kids Kayak Camps on New York’s Hudson River and is still an active competitive paddler. She spends nearly half the year in Uganda running Soft Power Health, a clinic she established in 2004 in the village of Kyabirwa on the Nile River.
Stone’s inspiration for Soft Power Health began on a paddling trip on the Nile in 2003 when a friend of hers contracted malaria. While staying in Kyabirwa, Stone realized the community needed modern medical assistance. Upon her return to the U.S., she raised an initial $25,000 to start the clinic in Uganda. In 2006 Soft Power Health opened the Allan Stone Community Health Clinic in Kyabirwa, an outpatient facility that emphasizes prevention and education alongside medical treatment.
Past recipients of Aquapac’s Outdoors Champion program include voyager Sarah Outen, nature photographer Daniel Fox, adventurer Dave Cornthwaite and oceans advocate Emily Penn.
The cash awarded for the 2014 Aquapac Outdoor Champion has been directed to Soft Power Health.
ABOUT AQUAPAC: Aquapac (www.aquapac.net) is a London-based company, with U.S. headquarters in East Norwich, NY that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013. Aquapac produces 100% waterproof, 100% use-through cases that create a virtual second skin for personal electronics, photography equipment, maps, documents and other essential items. Follow Aquapac on Facebook and on Twitter (@Aquapac) or at www.aquapac.net
Media contact is Matt Crawford – matt@palemorning.com or 802-583-6069.
