Malcolm Kelly (credited to Mercy Ships)

A new football star Malcolm Kelly sets goal of making a difference

By Jeremy Reynalds

Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

Former University of Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly recently announced his plans to enter the 2008 NFL draft.

According to a news release from Mercy Ships, the 21-year-old, All Big12 Conference performer will begin his professional football career by publicly endorsing the global charity Mercy Ships at a Feb. 5 news conference.

Kelly finished high school in his native Longview, TX, and by this time his talent and love for the game of football had blossomed. The 6’4” speedster accepted a full scholarship to the University of Oklahoma as one of the nation’s top prospects at wide receiver. After only three years, Malcolm has developed into one of the top-rated wide receivers eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft.

The first task Kelly has committed himself to do as a professional athlete is to use his role to make a difference in the lives of others. Mercy Ships’ connection with Africa and the proximity of the International Operations Center for Mercy Ships to his home area helped make the global charity a natural fit for the young African- American athlete.

Kelly said in the news release, “I wanted this to be the first thing I did to begin my career as a professional athlete. I’m not even in the league yet, but I know how important it is to do the right things in the right way. Mercy Ships is all about that. They deliver free, life-changing medical assistance to people in Africa and third world countries that need help the most. As an African-American, I feel a connection there. I just hope that this first small step will help shed light and get the word out on what an incredible organization Mercy Ships is.”

Mercy Ships Chairman of the Board, Myron E. “Mike” Ullman III said in the news release, “Malcolm’s achievements as an athlete are extraordinary and we are sure he will excel in the NFL. But it’s his maturity to recognize the potential for helping the poorest of the poor by supporting Mercy Ships in Africa that is most impressive. It makes a strong statement about his personal character and values as a young man.”

“Malcolm Kelly is already a local football hero in East Texas,” added Mercy Ships CEO Sam Smith in a news release. “But for me he’s much more than a great player. His compassion and commitment to bring hope and healing to the world’s poor is extraordinary for someone his age.”

Mercy Ships Founder and President Don Stephens said in the news release, “As the first professional athlete to endorse Mercy Ships, we are inspired and feel a kindred spirit with Malcolm Kelly. It is an honor to have him among the ranks of the wonderful volunteer professional doctors, nurses, patrons, and crew who enable Mercy Ships to continue in its mission.”

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships is the leader in using hospital ships to deliver free world-class health care and community development services to the forgotten poor. The Mercy Ships crew is made up of volunteer professionals from around the world.

According to Mercy Ships, since its inception in 1978, the organization has performed more than 1.5 million services, with a value of $600 million and has directly impacted more than 1.7 million people.

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[02/01/2008]

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