Elf Authentic Adventure
April 14-29, 2000
THE PRO FILE: Team Pharmanex-Spie
This experienced squad looks well poised to deal with the diverse challenges of the Nordeste. New Zealand's Steve Gurney, arguably one of the world's top adventure racers (multiple Raid wins, two Eco-Challenge titles), brings experience, all around strength, excellent navigation skills and a dynamic, "always-on" approach. Fellow Kiwi Tim Grammar, a '98
Southern Traverse winner who holds several individual endurance titles, will make his first trip out of New Zealand to compete.
Australia's John Jacoby is a three-time World Multi-Sport Champion, four-time World Marathon Kayaking Champion, and has placed well in major races before (2nd, '98 Eco-Challenge). Cathy Sassin, returning to the Elf after winning with Team Spie in the Philippines in '99, has all the skills, enthusiasm and logistic sense to allow the team to gel once the
race is on. Their wealth of experience racing with and against each other in major events gives Pharmanex-Spie members tremendous mutual respect and confidence in their collective ability—key elements in an expedition requiring such a high degree of autonomy.
Enter here for two free tickets on Varig Brazilian Airlines for an authentic adventure of your own. [more] |
Sassin, approaching her optimum level of fitness, is eager to complete the tasks at hand from day one. "I can't think of anything we're not ready for," she says. "Once we start the race, a lot of our job is done. From then on, we just have to keep moving forward." Pharmanex-Spie will be supported by Bridget Jacoby, Lisa Kahi, and Leo
Guerro-Ferreira.
Exchange Project
Team Pharmanex-Spie has combined forces with the Pharmanex Force For Good Foundation and Dr. David Krasnow, a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist from Beverly Hills, California. Team members will participate with a group picked by Krasnow, who has traveled extensively all over the world over the last thirty years bringing eyeglasses to people with vision
problems.
Many of the recipients will truly be seeing the world in a new way for the first time. Says Krasnow, "I really enjoy doing something that changes peoples' lives for the better. It's my way of giving back, and it's something I'm good at." Krasnow will use assistants and members of the Pharmanex-Spie race team to screen 100 candidates a day for 3 days,
offering primary eye care. They will employ a hand-held computerized refractor and retina scopes to screen pre-selected patients, test trial lenses and test vision.
If surgery is indicated, Krasnow will suggest options to the assisting local non-profit organizations. If no surgery is needed, the candidates will walk away with eyeglasses that day—and a new look at life.
|
