16 November 2012

Three-time gold medalist and World Champion swimmer Nathan Adrian will support The Salvation Army as his charity of choice this Christmas season through a variety of online and in-person promotions surrounding the 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign. Adrian has a long history of supporting The Salvation Army, including as a young volunteer bell-ringer in his hometown of Bremerton, WA.

"I was first introduced to The Salvation Army thanks to my parents, who have been involved with them for a number of years in my hometown, and I am honored to support an organization that is committed to helping people who are in need," said Adrian. "I understand and appreciate that I wouldn't be where I am today if not for the support of so many people around me and I want to help pay it forward. We have a lot planned this holiday season and I'm looking forward to encouraging giving nationwide."

Nathan Adrian, widely regarded as the top freestyle swimmer in the world, is a four-time Olympic medalist, including three gold medals, and two-time World Champion. Born and raised in Bremerton, Adrian captured 11 National titles while helping guide the University of California - Berkeley to their first NCAA National Championship in 31 years. A two-time PAC-10 Swimmer of the Year, he was named the PAC-10 Scholar Athlete of the Year and Neufeld Scholar Athlete as a senior at Cal.

During the Red Kettle Campaign, Nathan will take part in a variety of online and in-person events. He has already participated in a Q&A in "Expect Change," The Salvation Army blog. Read the interview here.

"Nathan is a true American champion, not just on the podium, but in the hearts and minds of young people who look up to him for inspiration," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "The Salvation Army is excited to partner with Nathan this Christmas and we look forward to educating the next generation of philanthropists on how they can help the less fortunate."

Nathan's parents, Cecilia and Jim Adrian, are long-time supporters of The Salvation Army in Bremerton, WA, where Nathan was born and raised. Jim, a retired nuclear engineer for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, was recently elected as Chairman of the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army in Bremerton, WA, where he helps guide the Army's efforts locally.