Dame Kelly backs young Olympic hopefuls with new programme
A host of sporting superstars joined Dame Kelly Holmes, Double Olympic Champion, as she launched ‘Believe to Achieve with Kelly’ – a programme of camps and scholarships for the young sports stars of the future in a bid to turn a new generation of sporting talent into triumph.
Olympians Denise Lewis, Jonathan Edwards, Duncan Goodhew and Tanni Grey-Thompson were among the sporting greats attending a Gala Dinner on Thursday 29 March at the Savoy Hotel in London to celebrate the launch of the programme and raise in excess of £200,000 for the Trust.
Believe to Achieve with Kelly is a brand new campaign from Dame Kelly Holmes, supported by the Youth Sport Trust.
Funds raised will support young talent aged between 15 and 18, helping with costs like equipment, coaching, training and medical treatment. The campaign will also deliver Kelly’s Camps for young athletes and coaches, teaching participants about the world of elite performers and the life skills necessary to help them achieve their goals.
A star-studded auction took place on the night to help raise funds. Items auctioned included a painting by Sacha Jafri officially celebrating 10 years of David Beckham’s achievements and a visit by helicopter to a school by Dame Kelly who will run a session with pupils.
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “I have had to work very hard and be extremely disciplined to achieve successes throughout my career. Winning medals is unbelievably tough and takes an uncompromising approach.
“Believe to Achieve is something I am very passionate about. It brings real value to today’s young and gifted athletes, helping them with training and the costs of being dedicated to sport, and gives them the opportunity to focus more on achievement and nurturing their talent.”
Sue Campbell, Chair of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “We are hugely privileged to support Dame Kelly and her Believe to Achieve initiative. Dame Kelly Holmes wants to show young athletes how they can reach glory. The programme will play an integral part in supporting our young athletes and coaches and turn them into champions of the future.”
To see the night in pictures please visit the Photo Gallery.