FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2002--GE announced today that Sarah Hughes, the 2002 Olympic Gold Medallist in Women's Figure Skating, will join the Company in a multi-year partnership as a GE spokesperson.
Sarah will participate in a number of GE-sponsored events to increase public awareness regarding health issues, with particular emphasis on their impact on women and children. Sarah will also serve as a GE "ambassador" at selected community events, especially those targeted to educational outreach.
"Sarah gave the world a magical moment in Salt Lake City with a gold medal performance built on courage, strength and a determination to be the best," said Bob Wright, Vice Chairman of GE and Chairman of NBC. "She's also a remarkable young woman off the ice, with a deeply rooted commitment to family and community. As a world-class athlete, Sarah knows first-hand that health is a key to a fulfilling life for adults and children alike. She is an ideal person to represent GE and we are very excited about Sarah being a part of the GE family."
One of Sarah's first activities will be to lead GE's newly established Heroes for Health(TM) campaign to acknowledge the work of "everyday heroes" who make a difference in healthcare and medicine. The program will focus on a broad range of health and medical fields, with special emphasis on cancer care, women's health issues, and healthy living for children. Sarah's role will include hospital and school visits as well as special events to honor healthcare professionals and medical pioneers for their contributions to society.
"My life changed in 1997 when my mother was diagnosed with and underwent treatment for breast cancer," Sarah said. "It truly put things in perspective for me, and I gained a world of appreciation for good health, how technology helps those who are sick, and the people who work in healthcare. I often think of the miracle that occurred when the combination of great medical science and incredibly dedicated healthcare professionals made possible the survival of my brother, Matthew, born three months prematurely at one and a half pounds."
Sarah said, "With the visibility that resulted from my Olympics experience, I now have an opportunity to help people who have faced the challenges over which my family has triumphed. I'm looking forward to working with GE to make a difference by honoring and helping others."
NBC, a subsidiary of GE, recently announced that Sarah also will produce a series of skating specials for the network. NBC is the exclusive U.S. broadcaster of the Olympics through 2008.
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology, services and manufacturing company with a commitment to achieving customer success. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs approximately 313,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ge.com.
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CONTACT:
GE
Gary Sheffer, 203/373-3476
or
GE Medical Systems
Patrick Jarvis, 262/544-3668