SkinsMaster88 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 http://www.emediaworld.com/press_release/release_detail.php?id=98555 Redskins' Draft Pick Malcolm Kelly Energized By Trip To Mercy Ship In Liberia NFL rookie encourages Liberian Sports Initiatives, visits patients, meets with President Sirleaf while part of Mercy Ships Crew Garden Valley, TX (eMediaWorld ) July 12, 2008 -- Recently returned from a week-long international humanitarian mission to support Mercy Ships, his charity of choice, Malcolm Kelly looks forward to his upcoming NFL training camp with an additional sense of purpose knowing that he's part of a much larger team as well. The former standout receiver at the University of Oklahoma and 2nd Round draft pick of the Washington Redskins made the "Vision Trip" to Monrovia, Liberia as a way to shed light on the medical relief effort Mercy Ships has provided for the last four years to the people of the war-torn nation. A highlight of the trip came as Malcolm and his father Moses Kelly were received by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who personally thanked Malcolm for providing a positive role model for young people in Liberia. "More than anything, our youth need someone to look up to who has excelled, not only in athletics, but in life. Understanding the importance of discipline, work-ethic and education, as well as nutrition and physical well-being is critical in our efforts to rebuild Liberia," noted President Sirleaf. "Malcolm's willingness to come here to Liberia, a nation founded by freed American slaves, builds on the natural kinship between Americans and Liberians. Having a young African-American athlete who has achieved so much in life at such a young age reach out to our young people in this way is priceless. We need more of that. Our young people need that kind of encouragement at this critical time in our nation's history," Sirleaf stated. Kelly was obviously moved by his experience in Liberia. "Everywhere we went, people ran up to me to shake my hand and hug me, saying 'Thank you! Thank you!' I was a hero, but not because I'm a football player; it was because I was wearing a Mercy Ships Crew shirt. I don't think I've ever been more humbled and honored than to be considered a part of the Mercy Ships team," he said. Kelly stayed onboard the Africa Mercy during the trip, observing surgeries, and visiting with dozens of patients on the recovery wards. The group also visited a clinic under construction by a Mercy Ships Field Service Team some 20 miles inland in the rural community of Tenegar. While also in Liberia, Kelly met with officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Liberian Olympic Committee. Liberia's educational and sports initiatives were sidelined during the 14-year civil war and the nation struggles to make improvements to even the most basic health and living standards. The 21-year-old rookie brought along his personal trainer, world-renowned sports performance coach Chip Smith from Competitive Edge Sports, based in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to ensuring Malcolm's readiness for Redskins Training Camp, which begins July 20th, Smith held sessions for 35 Liberian coaches and athletes including members of the Olympic Team and Committee at the invitation of the National Minister of Youth and Sports. "Train the Trainer" sessions were held at the National Sports Complex which included teaching on sports theory and workout demonstrations and exercises. "Chip has trained more professional athletes with this system than anyone else in the world," stated Kelly as he addressed the Liberian assembly of athletes and coaches before one of his workouts. "We are leaving the system and training equipment here for you as my gift, along with my promise that I will be back with other athletes to help encourage you to stay focused and keep working to fulfill your dreams." In response, one Liberian Olympian spoke on behalf of his nation by saying, "We share the same history, the same ancestry, the same dreams and aspirations. Today, you leave this incredible tool with us. Tomorrow, when you go back to the NFL, you take a piece of our hearts. You are now our brother." The Liberians presented Kelly and Smith with Lone Star jerseys from the National Soccer Team and colorful traditional African clothing. Kelly named Mercy Ships as his charity of choice earlier in 2008 soon after declaring himself eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft. Mercy Ships International Operations Center is located only 25 miles from Kelly's hometown of Longview, Texas. Mercy Ships has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978 bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide. A crew of both professional medical and non-medical volunteers serves all people without regard for race, gender, or religion. The Mercy Ships Crew are expected to perform more than 7000 medical procedures during their 2008 field service in Liberia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jweisk1 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 pretty remarkable story!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truant Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Wow. Fantastic. I can't believe that with his new found power that being an NFL player provided him, that he does this first. Amazing. My favorite parts: "Kelly was obviously moved by his experience in Liberia. "Everywhere we went, people ran up to me to shake my hand and hug me, saying 'Thank you! Thank you!' I was a hero, but not because I'm a football player; it was because I was wearing a Mercy Ships Crew shirt. I don't think I've ever been more humbled and honored than to be considered a part of the Mercy Ships team," he said." "Chip has trained more professional athletes with this system than anyone else in the world," stated Kelly as he addressed the Liberian assembly of athletes and coaches before one of his workouts. "We are leaving the system and training equipment here for you as my gift, along with my promise that I will be back with other athletes to help encourage you to stay focused and keep working to fulfill your dreams." How anyone could not be pleased by the caliber of this young man is beyond me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooley's Mullet Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Wow that is awesome. Malcolm Kelly is giving us a lot to be proud of. Hope everything works out for him on the field as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweet Sassy Molassy Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Looks like we've got ourselves a couple of talented and high character WRs from this year's draft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Terrapin Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Seems fitting that an '08 draft pick would handle himself like this as we all look forward to 28 and 81 going into the HOF this summer. Very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rdskn4Lyf21 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 With all the bull**** you hear NFL players doing in the media, this is very refreshing, especially given the fact that he is a Skin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNatsFan Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 It sounds like he's got a great perspective. I would still like to know why it's not reported in the mainstream media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tml6157 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 It sounds like he's got a great perspective.I would still like to know why it's not reported in the mainstream media. because he is a Redskin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califan007 The Constipated Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Wow. Fantastic. I can't believe that with his new found power that being an NFL player provided him, that he does this first. Amazing. My favorite parts: "Kelly was obviously moved by his experience in Liberia. "Everywhere we went, people ran up to me to shake my hand and hug me, saying 'Thank you! Thank you!' I was a hero, but not because I'm a football player; it was because I was wearing a Mercy Ships Crew shirt. I don't think I've ever been more humbled and honored than to be considered a part of the Mercy Ships team," he said." "Chip has trained more professional athletes with this system than anyone else in the world," stated Kelly as he addressed the Liberian assembly of athletes and coaches before one of his workouts. "We are leaving the system and training equipment here for you as my gift, along with my promise that I will be back with other athletes to help encourage you to stay focused and keep working to fulfill your dreams." How anyone could not be pleased by the caliber of this young man is beyond me. What a thug punk! :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truant Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 What a thug punk! :laugh: Awesome, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillUnknown Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 It sounds like he's got a great perspective.I would still like to know why it's not reported in the mainstream media. bad news sells more than good unfortunately great to hear his story. its nice to see he has a focus beyond the field Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morneblade Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 What a thug punk! :laugh: Tell me about it! :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut0862 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Only bad part of that story is they gave him a "Lone Star" jersey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackest Eyes Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I am glad we got a high character guy from the draft. How awesome would it be if he got at least 10 guys from the team to go with him next time? Doubt it would happen but that would be really neat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRobi21 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I was wondering how that trip went for him. Great read. Malcolm seems like a good guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDFan5 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 My next door neighbor David is one of the foundations managers for Mercy Ships Their office is located a few miles from my home. Malcolm has been helping their charity since January making appearances and what not. He is a great kid and very loved by the community here in east Texas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 That's know in the business as feel good story. And for good reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsHokieFan Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Outstanding story. The talent we bring in has character, unlike our rivals whose players visit prisons and courtrooms as inmates on a regular basis Good for Malcolm Kelly. And kudos to the organization for bringing in such an outstanding young man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaganaut Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Wow... amazing story. I love this guy already. Sounds like the Redskins drafted some quality people along with a quality guy at coach. Perhaps the org has turned the corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martytheman Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Hmm, couple this story with the one about DT earlier, and it's hard not to smile and think maybe the FO knew what they were doing and made the right choices. Can you imagine Gardner or Westbrook doing something like this? I don't know if they did, but I just don't see it happening with those two retards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkabong82 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Great story. I'm glad we were able to land a guy with good character like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIDETHEWALRUS Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I am loving all of our draft picks. THey are good players, but generally great human beings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potato Sack Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Ok, he hasn't caught pass one in the NFL yet, and he's already winning me over. FANTASTIC STORY!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins-o-holic Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I rememeber seeing the original story for this when it hit redskins.com and I was very amazed by it. Its not everyday you hear NFL rookies going off to distant lands to try and help people in need. As someone who is 21 I can honestly say I dont think my rookie vacation would be off to Africa helping poor people. I like where this team is headed. Character is going to be a big part this season I believe and maybe for the first time ina long time Character will meet talent and they will equal victories.:gaintsuck :dallasuck :eaglesuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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