Businesses help support Wiltshire’s sporting stars

More than £28,000 was raised on Thursday (March 26) by businesses and organisations to help support the next generation of Wiltshire sports stars at the second Business and Sports Gala Dinner.

Wiltshire Council and Wessex Chambers of Commerce co-hosted the event in the Atrium at County Hall, Trowbridge, following last year’s successful inaugural event.

The dinner was held as part of delivering a Legacy for Wiltshire, a council-led partnership which aims to encourage people to keep fit and active, boost the local economy and bring communities together, building on the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Money raised from the night will boost the foundation fund set up following last year’s inaugural dinner, which provides financial help to local, elite athletes. Successful applicants receive funding to assist with training, attending competitions, as well as paying for equipment and transport costs to regional, national and international events.

More than 20 businesses sponsored and supported the dinner to assist the budding Olympians, Paralympians and athletes with world-class potential on their journey to success. The main sponsors were Aerian, CGI and James Hay Partnership.

The fund was boosted by prizes and one-off experiences bid for in an auction and a raffle held on the evening. This included a swimming lesson from Paralympian athletes, a hot air balloon ride, a velodrome experience, a round of golf, tickets to see Russell Watson and tickets to watch Bath Rugby.

The after dinner speech was sports journalist Ned Boulting. Ned is ITV’s lead cycling reporter and entertained the audience with his experience of seeing Bradley Wiggins crowned the first Brit to win the Tour de France in 2012.

Wiltshire Council’s leader Jane Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled we have managed to raise this much money. The aim of the dinner was simple, to bring business and sport together and as a result deliver a win-win solution.

“We like to set our sights high here in Wiltshire and know that our local sports people need our support to help them to achieve their dream of representing the county and country on the biggest of sporting stages. A small amount of funding can help these athletes to go a long way towards achieving their goal.

“I’d also like to extend my thanks to all the businesses involved in making the evening such a huge success, their commitment to supporting our future sports stars was both tangible and extremely appreciated, especially by those athletes who will directly benefit.”

Rob Perks, chief executive of Wessex Chambers of Commerce said: “It was an extremely inspirational night and we were very proud to be involved.

“We have been really fortunate to enjoy a special partnership with one of our top local athletes and know at first hand the benefits it can bring.

“It was great to see so many businesses showing their support and playing their part in what was a hugely successful evening.”

Grants of £1,000 were presented to the following local elites athletes:

• Emily Benham from Salisbury – mountain bike orienteering
• Daniel Bethell from Chippenham – para badminton
• Lauren Booth from Chippenham – para cycling
• Hannah Brown from Melksham – sprint canoe
• James Brown from Devizes – para cycling
• Laura Halford from Cricklade – rhythmic gymnastics
• Rebecca Hoare from Tidworth – triathlon
• Sam Cutler from Chippenham – touch rugby
• Jacob Ness from Salisbury – athletics
• Stephanie Millward from Box – swimmer
• Aaron Moores from Trowbridge – swimmer