National Geographic Adventure honors World Vision aid worker as one of 2008 “Adventurers of the Year”

:: See coverage in National Geographic Adventure

Washington, DC, November 20, 2008—National Geographic Adventure magazine has named World Vision’s Ashley Jonathan Clements as one of 15 “Adventurers of the Year” for his humanitarian work on behalf of children and families in the world’s disaster and conflict zones.

Clements, an emergency coordination specialist on World Vision’s Global Rapid Response Team, is being recognized for his work in three humanitarian hotspots, including the remote Irrawaddy Delta of Myanmar, where some 2.4 million people required urgent assistance after Cyclone Nargis struck in May.

The achievements of Clements and 14 other adventurers are highlighted in the December 2008/January 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure (on newsstands Nov. 25), which features the most outstanding accomplishments for 2008 in the world of adventure, exploration, conservation and humanitarian work. National Geographic Adventure organized a group of leaders in the world of adventure to serve on its advisory board for the nomination of this year’s top adventurers.

“I suppose it does take a sense of adventure to head to the next disaster zone at a moment’s notice. There’s plenty of challenge and heartbreak involved, but I also get to help people when they’re at their most vulnerable point. To be recognized for what we do is really an honor,” said Clements.

Clements’ recent relief assignments have included speaking out for children in Myanmar who had been orphaned or separated from their families in the wake of Cyclone Nargis; leading World Vision's advocacy efforts on behalf of civilians driven from their homes by fighting in Georgia’s breakaway province of South Ossetia; and photographing and telling the stories of Iraqi refugee children who have fled to Jordan.

“National Geographic Adventure is the ultimate guide to an active lifestyle. The heritage and credibility that we deliver inspires our readers to explore the world around them by immersing themselves in activities that will provide experiences for a life well lived. At the Adventurer of the Year event we recognize and honor those individuals who have made terrific achievements in 2008, as well as the gear, apparel and equipment that are at the leading edge of the outdoor world,” said National Geographic Adventure Associate Publisher Peter Fisher.

Clements will be honored this evening at a gala event at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event will be emceed by National Geographic’s Boyd Matson, host of the public television series “Wild Chronicles” and “National Geographic Weekend” radio program.

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To arrange an interview with Clements, or for high-quality digital photos from World Vision responses in Myanmar, Georgia and the Middle East, please contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 or rwolff@worldvision.org.

About National Geographic Adventure

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published 10 times a year, with a rate base of 600,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.4 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's corporate global mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine’s Web site is nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Last year, World Vision responded to about 85 disasters around the world. For more information, please visit worldvision.org/press.