Wiltshire businesses raise £80,400 for Local Sports Stars at Annual Business and Sports Gala Dinner

Businesses and organisations from around the county raised £80,400 last week to help local sports stars at the Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner.

The annual event, celebrating the county’s finest sporting talents, was made possible thanks to Gold sponsors MiPermit and Kier and other businesses sponsoring and supporting the event.

The evening raises money for local aspiring Olympians and Paralympians through the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, which provides financial grants to local elite athletes. This year, the event was compered by former Bath and England rugby star Phil de Glanville, while the guest speaker was one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE.

This year’s grant recipients, each receiving £1,000 are:

• Ashlyn Bland, from Melksham, Skeleton 
• Carys Johnson, from Malmesbury, Lacrosse
• Dan Bethell, from Chippenham, Para-Badminton
• Harry Maxwell, from Chippenham, Triathlon
• James Hulme, from Sherston, Modern Pentathlon
• Joel Mattacks, from Southwick, Athletics
• Katie Pocklington, from Semington, Canoe Sprint
• Lewis Robertson-Carrier, from Calne, Dressage
• Lucy Matthews, from Salisbury, Athletics
• Molly Symonds, from Devizes, Rugby
• Philippe Ehrnrooth, from Devizes, Flatwater Sprint Kayak
• Piers Gilliver MBE, from Trowbridge, Wheelchair fencing
• Sally Kidson, from Salisbury, Boccia
• Stephanie Clutterbuck, from Chippenham, Triathlon
• Tom Gale, from Trowbridge, Athletics

Successful applicants receive funding to help them with training and attending competitions, as well as paying for equipment and transport costs to regional, national and international events.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This year’s Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner marks an incredible 11 years of supporting Wiltshire athletes, with a record 15 outstanding athletes receiving a grant this year.

"Their stories of dedication and triumph are truly inspiring and with the continued support of our Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, we’re excited to see their future achievements.

"This event would not be possible without the support of our local business community. Thanks to all of our sponsors, with a special thank you to our Gold sponsors MiPermit and Kier.

"Thank you also to everyone who contributed on the night making it another fantastic event and for helping us raise such an impressive amount for our athletes."

Grant recipient, Piers Gilliver MBE, said: “Receiving the grant last year enabled me to fully focus on the Paris Paralympics last summer where I was pleased to come home with three silvers and a bronze.

"This funding enables me to train at the level required to achieve at the highest level in sport and this year’s grant will allow me to start on the road to Los Angeles 2028.”

Fellow grant recipient, Dan Bethell, said: “This grant has made a massive difference to me over the years, allowing me to compete around the world on my journey to two Paralympics Games, winning a silver each time.

"This year will be no exception as the training cycle for LA 2028 has already begun and knowing I have the support of my local community is a real boost to me as I compete in the various qualifying events that will support me in reaching my third Paralympics.”