Leeds Castle Foundation hosts "Go for Gold" Charity Dinner Wednesday 14th April 2010
The Leeds Castle Foundation, the charity that owns Leeds Castle, has a long tradition of supporting sport. On 26th March they went a step further, putting the beauty and glamour of the castle to work at a charity dinner held to encourage local and national businesses and sponsors to support potential young sports stars of the 2012 Olympics.
The castle near Maidstone in Kent is less than an hour from the Stratford site and expects to be used as a venue for corporate entertaining and accommodation throughout the 2012 games. With 20 luxurious bedrooms and fine dining, and 24 further bedrooms on the estate, it offers a wonderful location in historic and beautiful surroundings, with excellent transport links to London and the continent.The dinner was attended by Lord Moynihan, the Chairman of the British Olympic Committee; Alan Willett, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent; and Hugh Robertson MP, Shadow Minister for the Olympics, along with other gold medal winners. During the evening, potential sponsors met Maidstone’s young athletes and offered to support them as they dedicate their time and effort to training for the most important competition in their careers.
Castle Chief Executive Victoria Wallace, said: “This was a charity dinner with a difference. Our guests were invited to make pledges of support to athletes, either in financial terms, or with “in kind” arrangements. We knew many organisations wanted to help young people with a dream, and to get involved with one of the most exciting events ever to take place in London, right on our doorstep.” “Having read about the efforts of Maidstone Borough Council to bring business and sports stars together through the “Maidstone’s Dream” project, the Foundation decided to sponsor aspiring local archer Jacqui Gould after her inspirational comeback from what could have been a devastating injury to compete at national and international level.”
Victoria Wallace continues: “We realised we could also play a role in encouraging other organisations and individuals to make a difference to the lives of more of these dedicated young sportsmen and women, by hosting an event at the castle, and bringing everyone together. It was a glittering event which we hope will lead to a greater chance of gold medal success in 2012.”
At the dinner, the Foundation also announced the establishment of a fund for local young athletes to draw on to support their costs of travelling to training events or competitions. Donations can be made through Leeds Castle's website: www.leeds-castle.com or if you would like to support an athlete directly, via the Maidstone’s Dream website www.maidstonesdream.co.uk
