Paul Goodison, the ISAF world ranked number one Olympic Laser sailor, has just won a sponsorship deal to help ease the financial burden of getting to the next Olympic Games.

Goodison who had spent much of his time training and competing on the Solent prior to winning both world and European bronze medals in 2002, is one of only six British Olympic athletes to be taken on board by Team Visa.

Concurrently the revered world champion and five-times Olympic rower, Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, fronts the campaign as mentor to the squad.

Goodison and his five colleagues will receive direct financial contributions that can be used to pay for training and travelling expenses as well as ongoing advice and support from the Team Visa 'mentors' such as Sir Steve Redgrave.

Team Visa is an integrated national sponsorship programme across a number of markets in Europe that combines the popularity and appeal of famous Olympic greats with the positive influence they will have on the up-and-coming Olympic and Paralympic stars.

Sir Steve Redgrave said: "I am delighted to have been invited by Visa to be a part of this exciting Olympic initiative and to be able to pass on my hard-earned experience to young athletes.

"The thing that hits you about the Olympic Games is their sheer magnitude. You may be a big player within your own sport, but when you turn up at the Games you quickly realise that you're just one of 28 sports that are also having their biggest event.

"It's easy to get side tracked from your goals."

He added: "I'm also particularly pleased that Visa appreciates that there is no differentiation between the commitment, dedication, ability and inspiration needed to become a Paralympic athlete as compared to an Olympic athlete. It is an important facet of Team Visa that the programme is open to both Olympic and Paralympic athlete alike."