Renowned athlete and South African hero, Terence Parkin, has recently been honored by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, who have recognised him as Global Brand Ambassador for the Deaf and Blind.
Parkin, a swimmer, was born deaf, but has never let that stand in the way of his goals. This is exemplified by the fact that he is currently the most decorated Deaflympic athlete in the world. He has won 33 Deaflympic medals and brought home a silver medal for SA in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
As an Ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Parkin travels across the world, giving talks at various events on issues such as water safety and coaching children on how to swim to prevent drowning fatalities, something which is personally meaningful to him given that in 2011 he saved a seven year old boy from drowning by rescuing him and resuscitating him.
Parkin’s talent, energy and drive are helping to raise awareness about the issues around water safety in marginalised communities across the globe. He recently represented the Foundation at the 2017 Deaflympics in Turkey and met with Deaflympic officials. He has also been invited to speak on behalf of the Foundation in a number of countries including Pakistan, Russia, Australia, China and the Philippines.
The World Health Organization estimates that 40 people die from drowning every hour, a fact which motivated Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco, to create a Foundation that could save the lives of children by putting an end to drowning. The Foundation works throughout the world to raise public awareness about the dangers of drowning and teaching children and caregivers how to swim and prevent water-related fatalities.
The Foundation is thrilled to have Terence Parkin on board. According to Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene, “Terence is an incredible athlete who has shown dedication and passion for his sport, and has never let any obstacles stand in his way on his path to achieve great things. We welcome him to the Foundation, where we know that he will continue to do excellent work.”
Fellow Olympian and celebrated SA swimmer, Ryk Neethling, who is the CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa, is excited to be working with Parkin: “He is such a powerful role model for children everywhere, and an inspiration for anyone who is struggling to overcome the odds. I admire his sporting achievements and his subsequent work and look forward to seeing what’s next for him and the Foundation, which does such invaluable work.”
For more information on the Foundation click here.
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