Rowing into Slavery

African-American Rower will retrace the route of Slave Ships from Goree Island

(PRWEB) January 8 2004--

What:

Wearing a full body Slave Steel Shackles", Victor Mooney (39)from Woodhaven, New York will row on his Concept II Indoor Rowing Machine at the Adventure in Travel Expo today.

Why:

In February 2005, Mooney will launch an 8,000 mile Solo Trans Atlantic Rowing Expedition from Goree Island, Senegal (West Africa) to New York

City. Mooney looks to encourage abstinence, HIV/Aids prevention and awareness in the community, workplace and uniformed services.

Mooneys departure point is the Door of No Return", the place on African soil where able-bodied Africans, chained at the neck, last viewed their homeland before being transported to the New World as slaves. An estimated 20 million Africans passed through the Port of Goree Island until the mid-1800s. During the African Slave trade, Goree Island was a slaveholding warehouse, the center for the trade in African men, women and children.

Who:

In four consecutive years, Mooney has battled the seas around Long Island and Manhattan with his 17 canoe. His cause an uncommon vehicle comes from a life-long love of canoeing and a desire to continue the work of the late New York City Cardinal John OConnor, who cared for those suffering from HIV/Aids.

Mooney is the spokesperson for ASA -- The College of Advanced Technology, located in Brooklyn, New York. Mooney also serves as the founder and executive director of South African Arts International, an art and artist exchange group. Mooney is a married father of four.

For more on Mooneys expedition, visit: www.goreechallenge.com

Where:

Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre, New York City

South African Arts International (SAAI),

Booth # 563

When:

Saturday, January 10, 2004 12:30 pm

Adventure in Travel Expo

Inez Freund, Public Relations

Tel. 973-627-8180

Fax 973-627-8410

www.adventureexpo.com

The Ocean Rowing Society

Kenneth F. Crutchlow, Exec. Dir.

Tel. 44 (0) 207-485-8807

Fax 44 (0) 207-284-2849

Cellular 34 + 61-789-9446

(Canary Islands)

www.oceanrowing.com

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