Hey racers,

Check out this release the good people at Oceana put together about my upcoming trip to the Green Port Fest this weekend. I'm stoked to be headed back home for a few days and even more stoked that it's for such a good cause.

Here's the deal:

LONG BEACH, CA — On the road to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, three-time gold medalist and world record holder Aaron Peirsol, is making a stop at the Port of Long Beach’s Green Port Fest on Saturday, October 13, 2007 to address the declining health of the world’s oceans. Peirsol is returning to his home state of California to recruit advocates and raise awareness about the importance of saving the oceans as part of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.’s “Engines of Change” campaign, a national program that supports top athletes who are making a difference and creating positive change in their communities.

An avid surfer who grew up around and in the water, Peirsol signed on recently as a spokesperson for Oceana, the largest international organization solely dedicated to advocating for the world’s oceans. As part of his fight to conserve the oceans, he launched a fundraising program called Aaron Peirsol’s “Race for the Oceans” (www.racefortheoceans.org). Now, Toyota is providing additional support for his efforts by donating funds to Oceana during Green Port Fest, where Peirsol will host a series of special events including:

• Meet & greet with fans at Toyota’s Engines of Change booth (9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
• Q&A and interaction with kids at the Long Beach Aquarium “Touch Tank” (10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
• Formal introduction of special guests on the Main Stage (12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.)
• Speech at the Green Port Theatre regarding the importance of clean oceans (1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.)
• Boat (or Rail) Tour (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Toyota’s Engines of Change campaign, tied to the environmental benefits of its Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles, reflects how a commitment to sport, community and making a difference in the environment can change the future. The Engines of Change athletes are working to make a difference out of the pool and encouraging people to be inspired and inspire others.

“World-class athletes like Aaron Peirsol inspire us not only through their physical achievements but through their connection to the world,” said Megan Gillam, Engagement Marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Inspiring people to take that extra step, get involved and make a difference is the focus of Toyota's Engines of Change program. We are proud to support Aaron in his efforts, as preserving the Earth’s oceans is critically important to all of us.”

Couldn't have said it better myself. Hope to see some of you there this weekend!

-AP