Press releases
Knorr-Bremse Sponsors Legacy for Wiltshire Event for Local Sporting Stars
March 17, 2014 [Knorr-Bremse Country]
Almost £30,000 was raised by businesses and organisations which came together to help support the next generation of Wiltshire sports stars at the inaugural Business and Sporting Gala Dinner, held on 13 March 2014.
As part of a Legacy for Wiltshire, a Wiltshire Council-led partnership which aims to encourage people to keep fit and active, boost the local economy and bring communities together, the council hosted the event in the Atrium at County Hall.
Money raised from the night will fund a special foundation set up to build on the annual Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians grant, which provides financial help to local, elite athletes.
The aim behind the foundation is for even more athletes to benefit from the grant scheme which has been running for four years.
More than 20 businesses pledged their support by sponsoring the dinner. The aim of the event was to generate as much funding as possible to assist the budding Olympians, Paralympians and athletes with world-class potential in their journey to success.
The evening was hosted by former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville, with speeches from 2011 cycling World Champion and 2012 Paralympics champion Mark Colbourne MBE and comedian and impressionist Aaron James.
To raise more funds for the athletes, one-off experiences and prizes were auctioned, including the opportunity to cycle with Mark Colbourne and a swimming session with Paralympic silver medallist and four-time World Champion Stephanie Millward.
Funds raised throughout the evening will enable successful applicants to access training and attend competitions as well as fund equipment and transport costs to regional and national events.
Wiltshire Council's leader Jane Scott said: “Last night's event was truly unique and it brought some of the county's future sporting stars and local businesses together.
“Even the smallest amount of funding can make a huge difference in supporting the athletes' journeys to success. The evening was a great opportunity to make these connections and to raise funding to establish a foundation trust to support those sporting stars who will represent Wiltshire in national and international competitions.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended last night and I'd particularly like to thank all the businesses which have sponsored the event.”
Nick Brailey, head of marketing and communications at Knorr-Bremse, the main sponsor of the evening, said: “Last night's Wiltshire Business and Sporting Gala Dinner was excellent and it was great to see so many sporting stars receive funding. Knorr-Bremse was pleased to get involved and support the event as the company recognises the importance of encouraging local athletes and supporting their training and future success at the Olympics and Paralympics. Knorr-Bremse encourages and funds its employees in participating in sports and healthy living activities through its ’Well at Work’ programme. This initiative aligns perfectly with the company’s own goals.”
