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The British Olympic Association (BOA)
is pleased to announce that Sir Roy Gardner, one of Britain’s
leading captains of industry, has agreed to lead the BOA’s Fundraising
Appeal in the run up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Traditionally, the BOA,
who receive no direct government or lottery funding, have appealed
to British business to assist with the funding of Team GB as they
prepare for and compete at the world’s largest sporting event.
2008 presents an even greater challenge as income is more heavily
reliant on fundraising (the BOA can no longer generate revenue
through sponsorship as all commercial rights have passed on to
LOCOG) and the desired target for the Appeal has risen to £3million.
The Appeal helps to deliver
a range of services and support to Team GB as they compete on
the world’s most competitive stage. Monies raised will help towards
medical support, air travel, kit and parade wear and accommodation
for the team and support staff in the period leading up to and
during the Games.
Sir Roy’s Vice-Chairman
is quadruple rowing Olympic gold medallist and BBC Sport journalist
Sir Matthew Pinsent. Jointly these two key figures will seek to
enlist the support of approximately 150 Appeal committee members
who they hope will each undertake to raise approximately £25,000
through various fundraising campaigns.
Sir Roy Gardner said: "I
am both proud and delighted to take on the role of Chairman of
the Appeal and to assist the BOA with help from the business community
to support Britain's finest athletes and raise the chances of
success for Team GB in Beijing in 2008.”
Sir Matthew Pinsent added:
“I am honoured to join Sir Roy Gardner as Vice Chairman of the
2008 British Olympic Appeal.
As an athlete all I ever wanted was to focus on my performance
but I was highly conscious of the great efforts undertaken by
the BOA to provide every member of Team GB with the best possible
environment to reach their full potential.
On behalf of all the athletes
going to China next year I very much hope that the British business
community will support our Appeal and get behind Team GB so that
when British athletes stand on the podium in Beijing they can
feel justifiably proud and an integral part of their success.”
Simon Clegg, BOA Chief
Executive said: “I am extremely pleased that Sir Roy Gardner has
agreed to accept the Chairmanship of the BOA Fundraising Appeal
for 2008 and that Matt Pinsent will be his Vice-Chairman.
This Appeal is a central
feature of the BOA’s drive to raise the necessary funds to send
Team GB to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. It gives me considerable
confidence to know that the Appeal will be led by one of Britain's
leading business figures supported by one of Britain’s finest
Olympic athletes."
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