Shelley Taylor-Smith

MEDIA RELEASE   

Shelley Taylor-Smith         

World Champ dives in for the young women of Western Australia

The Esther Foundation is excited to announce Shelley Taylor-Smith as Patron of its multi award winning residential women's health, development and leadership program, based in South Perth, Western Australia.

Patricia Lavater, Director & Founder of the Esther Foundation stated "We feel so honoured and privileged to have someone of the calibre of Shelley to not only lend her experience and give her support toward this charitable organisation, but also to play a role with the many young women that come into our care at the foundation. She is just such an inspiration to all of us..."

Shelley Taylor-Smith is best known for her marathon swimming achievements as 7-time Women's World Marathon Swimming Champion 1988-1995 & World No.1 Ranked Marathon Swimming Champion Overall 1991 [for both men & women] a feat never repeated by any woman in the history of any sport worldwide. Shelley joins forces with Patricia Lavater [Citizen of the Year Recipient 2008], to create champions in the young women of Western Australia, by encouraging, empowering and enriching them to reach their full potential.

Ms Taylor-Smith stated "I know what I achieved in my marathon swimming career was due to the unbelievable support from the people of Western Australia. The WA community backed me; a young woman with an awe mighty dream at a time when there was no sponsorship or government funding. So humbly and without hesitation I accept the role as Patron."

Shelley Taylor-Smith has been recognised with the highest possible awards and achievements in her life including her personal favourite as a 2-time Australian of the Year finalist 1990 & 1991 [representing Western Australia]. She wishes to use her profile to create awareness in the community about the many issues and challenges that face young women today, whilst also focussing on seeking more support for the Esther Foundation and the highly valued community service it provides in Western Australia.

"This is my opportunity to ‘gift' back to my favourite backyard, Perth, by supporting these amazing young women in our WA community. I have a strong sense of urgency to support them to believe in themselves and find their passion and purpose for life; so that they too can achieve what I believe is their birthright... success, however they define success!"

The Esther Foundation facilitates a young woman's health, development and leadership program that operates from seven residential premises in South Perth, housing more than thirty five young women and their children. The organisation offers extensive support and assistance to young women, in a safe and structured environment. The broadly structured program facilitates specific group and individual counselling for different concerns faced by young women, provides education, leadership and workplace training; life skills; health, sport and fitness teams; and an extensive creative arts program. The Esther Foundation is a not for profit organisation and does not receive Government funding for its day to day operations. The residential environment is based on intensive care and ongoing support, where young women can begin to believe in themselves and gain a new confidence by making positive steps toward a brighter future.

www.estherfoundation.org.au

All media enquiries;
Contact The Esther Foundation;       
Rodney Lavater                         
Mob. 0411 730 227          
rod@estherfoundation.org.au

Contact Shelley Taylor-Smith;
ChampionMindset Consulting
Wk/Mob.   0414 594 245
office@championmindset.com.au