Sponsors needed for my London 2012 Paralympic Campaign

1. Michael Cogswell Planning for Gold at the London 2012 Paralympics Ten years ago in March 1999 I fell down a mountain and my life changed instantly. Permanently paralysed from the mid-chest down I quickly made a decision to make the most of my new life. Since then I’ve married, become a father and represented Britain at a number of World Championship regattas. It is now my ambition to win a Gold medal sailing at the London 2012 Paralympics I urgently need sponsorship, so please look through this presentation and consider if you can help in any way. www.paralympic-sailor.com

2. Michael Cogswell Focus for others www.paralympic-sailor.com Nearly every year over 1,000 people are affected by a spinal injury. Unfortunately a large number of these find it difficult to regain a good quality of life and many commit suicide. After my accident I used sport as a therapy and a temporary release from my paralysis. Competitive sailing gave me goals, enabled me to challenge myself and this helped me accept my situation and move forwards. My story is important as it can act as a focus for others who are looking for hope and inspiration. A Gold medal at London 2012 will help promote my story and encourage others to do more in their own lives.

3. Michael Cogswell Paralympic Sailing www.paralympic-sailor.com There are three classes: one person, two person and three person boats. There is only one medal in each class. The two person boat – the Skud 18 was a new class at the 2008 games and was ring fenced to include a seriously disabled (1 point classified) sailor. This limited the class growth and for London 2012 this ring fence has been widened to 2 points. As a 2 point sailor I competed successfully in the single person class at World Championships but I was too disabled to win selection in this class at the Paralympic games themselves. I am however one of the country’s most experienced 2 point sailors and I will now be very competitive in this class and my medal prospects are very high.

4. Michael Cogswell Campaign Programme www.paralympic-sailor.com The first phase of the campaign is the most important. UK Sport funding can be won at the 2009 Disabled World Championships in Greece this October. All finances must be directed towards this goal. The second phase will be directed towards winning the Disabled World Championships in 2010 and 2011 so that I move into the final phase as favourite to win Gold The first phase budget is currently £22,000. So far £7,000 has been raised. The shortfall needs to be raised within the next two months.

5. Michael Cogswell Sponsor packages www.paralympic-sailor.com Sponsor packages can be tailored to suit individual company needs. At minimum these would include sponsor branding on the boat and my web site and a certain amount of time for talks, presentations and PR events. Packages can include sailing days in London or Weymouth the Olympic venue. Sponsor packages available at £2,500, £5,000 and £10,000 Contact Michael on 07971 666313