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February 8, 2002

“Olympics-Koss Joins $1 Billion Bid to Boost Child Immunization”

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (02/06/02); Vignal, Patrick

Olympic speed skating champion Johann Olav Koss, who is also the chairman of the Olympic Aid organization, has joined with humanitarian organization Vaccine Fund in hopes of raising $1 billion over the next four years to ensure that children in the world’s 74 poorest countries are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.  Last year in Accra, Ghana, the Olympic Aid and Vaccine Fund project sponsored the world’s first Sport and Immunization Festival, at which several leading athletes, including Koss, helped more than 2,600 children enjoy a day of sports and immunizations.  Money will be raised during the Olympics via an auction of Olympic memorabilia, including a pair of Koss’ speed skates.

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