Katonah's Edward Ozols a Finalist in PETA's 'Sexiest Vegan Over 50' Contest

George Clooney... Brad Pitt... and Edward Ozols?

Yes, Edward Ozols! The handsome, 70-years-young Katonah resident has been named a finalist in PETA’s annual Sexiest Vegan Over 50 contest, one of 14 men and women in the United States to vie for the title.

Sponsored by PETA Prime, the contest lets the public pick the male and female winners, and voting closes at noon Eastern Time on Oct. 20.

Ozols, an architect and vegan since having successful emergency bypass surgery, is described as an “avid athlete” who used to climb and ski down Mount Rainier when he was younger. He also enjoys sailing, reading, tennis and photography.

“Although I’m older now, I have more energy than I ever had before I decided to forego devouring animal flesh,” he tells PETA.

The contest winners will each receive a three-night stay for two at the Guatemalan eco-resort Laguna Lodge, a PETA photo shoot in Los Angeles, and a selection of goodies from the PETA Catalog.

Below is the press release from PETA about the contest:

It’s no secret where sexy celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Samuel L. Jackson, and James Cromwell get their energy—they all attribute it to going vegan! And it’s their example that inspired PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—to launch its annual Sexiest Vegan Over 50 contest. This year, PETA has narrowed the field down to seven men and seven women—and 70-year-old Katonah resident Edward Ozols is among the finalists. The contest is sponsored by PETA Prime—a resource for baby boomers who want to live a healthy, humane, and rewarding life.

“While many baby boomers have had to reach for pills to fight high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and impotence, older vegans tend to be slim, healthy, and energetic,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “One look at PETA’s finalists makes it clear that the only thing sexier than being passionate is being compassionate.”

Ozols—an avid athlete who climbed and then skied down Mount Rainier in his younger years—went vegan after undergoing emergency bypass surgery for a severe artery blockage, realizing how “the perils of [eating animals] … grind away slowly at one’s health.” Ozols is writing a book about his experience and the health benefits of going vegan in the hope of helping others avoid the need for heart surgery. He says, “Although I’m older now, I have more energy than I ever had before I decided to forego devouring animal flesh.” Ozols speaks out about factory-farm cruelty on social media and has sponsored orphaned elephants in lieu of birthday presents. He has an architectural practice and enjoys photography, sailing, skiing, tennis, and reading.

Visitors to PETAPrime.org can see photos of all 14 finalists and cast their votes through October 20. Two winners (one male and one female) will be announced on October 22. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count, and each winner will receive a three-night stay for two at the beautiful Guatemalan eco-resort Laguna Lodge, a PETA photo shoot in Los Angeles, and a selection of goodies from the PETA Catalog. See the full contest details here.

For more information, please visit PETAPrime.org.

Photo: Katonah resident Edward Ozols. Photo credit: PETA