We are really chuffed to announce that we are now supporting local sailor, Ed Fitzgerald, as he attempts to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Chichester-born Ed has been sailing since he was four. He joined his first team at the age of nine and at just 19, he has already competed in the Mirror Worlds in Sweden (2006) and South Africa (2007). After his first year of competing, Ed joined up with current teammate James and they won the Youth Nations and the 29er category at the European Championships in 2008, as well as the Youth World Championships, an event classed as a Youth Olympic Games. Since this success, Ed took a year out from sailing to focus on schoolwork. A year later, he has started sailing with James again, this time in a 49er.

Ed commented: “I love MINIs and can’t believe that I’m going to be driving a new MINI Cooper SD Countryman from now until the end of the London 2012 Games. I have a really demanding training schedule and I do a lot of travelling to promote the Games so having the Countryman is brilliant. Thank you so much Chandlers Worthing and MINI.”

“It’s fantastic partnering a local athlete hoping to qualify for London 2012,” said Mike Anderson, Dealer Principal at Chandlers Worthing. “We’re really rooting for Ed and are delighted to be involved in his journey. Backing him makes us all feel as if we’re playing a part in the London 2012 Games too.”

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