Peru’s Top Swimmer to be Supported by G4S 4teen Programme
11 August 2011
G4S is delighted to announce one of Peru’s most talented swimmers has been selected to be a member of their global sports team G4S 4teen.
Sebastián Jahnsen, a swimmer from San Isidrio, Peru, has been chosen as the latest addition to the G4S 4teen programme, where he will receive support from G4S and join their team of elite athletes, the G4S 4teen.
Sebastián’s selection followed an extensive search throughout Peru for a new recruit who would genuinely benefit from the unique support provided by the G4S 4teen programme. G4S worked with the National Olympic Committee of Peru to identify a promising and ambitious athlete who not only displayed the skill and ability to be the very best at their sport, but most importantly also demonstrated that the social, financial and pastoral support provided by G4S 4teen would make a real difference to his life, his sporting career, and also the local community.
Sebastián replaces Greco Roman wrestler Eduardo Palas on the programme, following his decision to retire from his sport in order to spend more time with his family.
Sebastián, one of Peru’s rising stars, was found to be a perfect match for the aspirational sports programme. With an impressive list of achievements already to his name, including setting five national records and qualification for the upcoming Pan American Games, Sebastián has demonstrated determination, courage, and tenacity to get to where he is today – characteristics that are integral to the G4S 4teen programme.
Upon learning that he was chosen as the final G4S 4teen member, Sebastián said: “For over six years I’ve had a drawing of the Olympic Rings on my wall. When I was little I would watch the Games on TV and I would picture myself in the stadium wearing the colours of my country at the most important sporting event in the world. With the support from G4S I am one step closer to my dream, as it will help me bring my skills to the next level. I am very thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to having the support of G4S behind me.”
The G4S 4teen global team is comprised of 14 young international athletes from 13 countries brought together as one united team. Despite their different backgrounds and sports, all the youngsters have one common goal – to compete at the London Olympics in 2012. The team has a dynamic mix of Olympic sports including BMX, sailing, athletics, table tennis, shooting and archery. Conceived to nurture and support a new generation of young stars from around the world, G4S 4teen provides the athletes, their families, and many local communities with opportunities to develop as athletes and human beings through a unique mix of financial, pastoral and sporting support.
The programme, which stretches from Colombia to Philippines, Estonia to Kenya, attracted the exclusive support of legendary two-time Olympic gold medal winning athlete, Haile Gebrselassie, from the outset in 2007. The Ethiopian marathon world record holder is the Ambassador of G4S 4teen and a mentor to the young sportsmen and women. He will be working closely with Sebastián to pass on his experience of competing at the highest level and share his advice about achieving sporting dreams.
Welcoming Sebastián to the programme, Haile said: “I am delighted to welcome Sebastián to the G4S 4teen team. He has already shown much promise and talent, and I have no doubt that the support provided by G4S will give him the edge to achieve his goals. I look forward to meeting him and I am proud to be a mentor to such a hard-working and focused athlete.”