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Michael Campbell, 2005 US Open Champion, will launch the Michael Campbell Foundation to further his commitment to helping, inspiring and motivating young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Michael plans to raise funds through donations, activities such as hosting dinners and golf days, and by pledging a percentage of his endorsement deals to the Foundation. Under this umbrella charity he will continue to support the Ronald McDonald House in Wellington, the New Zealand Junior Golf Foundation and the Winning Edge (Wedge) initiative whereby a number of promising Kiwi golfers will benefit from Michael Campbell Scholarships each year.

Michael will add further charities and beneficiaries on an on-going basis that adhere to the criteria of helping, inspiring and motivating young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Michael Campbell Foundation is a culmination of Michael's charity activities over the years and will look to support other worthy youth charities and schemes not just in New Zealand but around the world.

Michael's passion is borne from his Maori upbringing where a sense of community, culture and heritage is deeply embedded, whilst recognising the responsibility to reciprocate the inspiration and encouragement that has helped him in his career and life. Michael takes great pride and strength from his Maori heritage which he believes keeps him grounded and aware that the respect of others is more important than winning.

"I'm proud of my indigenous culture, my country and the opportunities it has provided me. This is what keeps my feet on the ground. Given my position, I have the ability to raise people's spirits, make them feel good about themselves, give them hope for the future and that is what the Michael Campbell Foundation will be all about. The inspiration and motivation I received from my community, family and friends leaves me keenly aware of those young people less fortunate who have not enjoyed the same advantages and I am delighted to be in a position where I can reach out and offer them help."

Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, was delighted to hear of Michael's plans;

"Michael Campbell's US Open win last year was one of New Zealand's greatest sporting achievements. It was a triumph of immense skill, determination, and perseverance. The victory and manner in which it was achieved was a source of great pride for our country.

I welcome the news that Michael is to establish a new entity to generate and distribute money to his charitable interests. This is consistent with his goals to help, inspire, and motivate young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I wish Michael every success."

"Those who are bent by the wind shall rise again when the wind softens" – Te Whiti.

About the Winning Edge (Wedge) scheme:
The Wedge scheme is designed as a comprehensive programme to help create Kiwi world champion golfers by bridging the gap between outstanding natural talent and internationally competitive success. Running parallel to Greg Turner's Golf Tour of New Zealand, Wedge will provide logistical and financial support, mentoring and practical guidance for young professionals, including the granting of a number of Michael Campbell Scholarships each year.

About Michael Campbell:
Michael Campbell added his first Major title, the US Open, to his already impressive golfing CV last year at Pinehurst, North Carolina. A proud and patriotic New Zealander, Michael has won 14 other international titles since turning pro in 1993, including the HSBC World Match Play Championship in September 2005 and has represented his country in both the Alfred Dunhill and World Cup events. His outstanding 2005 season saw him voted European Tour Player of the Year, the recipient of the prestigious Halberg Award in New Zealand and he was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2006 New Year's Honours List. Michael is passionate about giving back to the community, both on and off the golf course, and through the work of the Michael Campbell Foundation, he hopes to inspire, encourage and motivate children from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.

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Click here to see the Michael Campbell Foundation Scholarship points table.