First Paralympic Ball During London 2012 Aims to Increase Participation Worldwide

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the British Paralympic Association (BPA) on Thursday (28 June) announced details of the first Paralympic Ball, a spectacular fundraising evening that will be held in London during the Paralympic Games.

Held on 5 September at Grosvenor House Hotel, the Paralympic Ball will be a celebration of Paralympians and their achievements and the Paralympic Movement. It will help raise vital funds for both the IPC's Agitos Foundation and the BPA to increase the number of people taking part in sport for people with a disability around the world, and develop a worldwide legacy for the Paralympic Movement beyond London 2012.

The event, which begins at 19:00, will feature a superb line-up of live entertainment, including action from the Paralympic Games, auction, drinks reception, four course dinner and After Party. Further details can be found at www.paralympicball.com.

Amongst the attendees will be IPC President Sir Philip Craven, BPA President Tim Reddish together with a whole host of celebrities from the world of sport and showbiz.

Sir Philip Craven said: "The Paralympic Ball will be an inspirational celebration of the Paralympic Movement and our Paralympians with the ultimate aim of generating funds to get more people active in sport and potentially create future Paralympians.

"Together with the BPA we hope to take the energy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and create a spectacular celebration evening that leaves a lasting legacy for the Paralympic Movement in Great Britain and around the world."

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the British Paralympic Association, said: "The Paralympic Ball will be a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the Paralympic Games and there can surely be no better time to hold it than during London 2012, which looks set to be the biggest and best Paralympics yet. It will undoubtedly be a great event and I am delighted that the BPA can support it in partnership with the IPC."

To coincide with the announcement, P&G UK, an official sponsor of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has also been confirmed as the first official partner of the event.

Nathan Homer, Paralympics Director P&G UK and Ireland said, "P&G is delighted to be an official partner of the Paralympic Ball to celebrate the power of the Paralympic Games. The ambition, talent and sheer determination of the ParalympicsGB athletes is truly inspirational. In addition to honouring these world-class athletes, we're also using our voice to recognise their nearest and dearest - like their mums - who have supported them in achieving their dreams."

As a TOP sponsor of the International Olympic Committee, P&G is using its extensive portfolio of brands to promote the London 2012 Paralympic Games and to inspire and educate people about the power of the Paralympic Games

For more information about P&G's `Proud sponsor of Mums' campaign, visit www.youtube.com/pg.

For further information about the Paralympic Ball, including details about the evening and sponsorship packages available, please visit www.paralympicball.com.

Organizing the event will be Fireball, an Independent Event and Creative Production Agency who is the UK's leading Event Fundraising Specialist, raising over £18 million for Charities and Good Causes over the last 10

years.

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