Gary Barlow, Melanie C, Davina McCall, John Bishop and Alfie Boe set to lead celebration of Team GB and ParalympicsGB
The British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) have announced that internationally renowned singer songwriter Gary Barlow will be the headline performer at the exclusive ‘Our Greatest Team Rises’ event at The Royal Albert Hall on Friday 11th May 2012, presented by British Airways, BT and Cadbury.
The best of British presenting talent, Davina McCall and John Bishop, have been named as hosts for the evening and there will be additional entertainment from singing sensation Alfie Boe, bright young classical star, violinist Charlie Siem and Britain’s Got Talent winners, Spelbound.
As the nation enters the final countdown to the London 2012 Games, Our Greatest Team Rises will celebrate the forming of Team GB and ParalympicsGB. Together they will be Our Greatest Team. There is no other sporting competition in which Great Britain and Northern Ireland fields such a large, diverse and talented team to represent our nation with pride and excellence. With the passionate support of the whole of the UK behind them, Our Greatest Team will be 900 athletes, 60 million strong.
The event, which will take place the day after the London 2012 Olympic flame is lit in Greece, is an important fundraiser for the Olympic and Paralympic teams and by attending this unique evening, ticket holders will play a vital role in helping to support British athletes to succeed at London 2012.
For the 3,000 attending guests, Our Greatest Team Rises will be a spectacular night combining fine dining with the best of British entertainment. The evening’s menu has been designed by Michelin-starred chef Simon Hulstone, Heston Blumenthal’s protégée and winner of the BA Great Britons Food award.
Also in attendance will be Melanie C, famed as a member of Britain’s greatest girl band, the Spice Girls, who has been named Artist Chair for ‘Party to 2012’, the official series of events taking place in association with Team GB in this special Olympic year. She has helped to bring together some of Britain’s biggest names to support Our Greatest Team and play their part in celebrating what will be a truly spectacular summer.
Party to 2012 Artist Chair and Spice Girl, Melanie C, said:
“This is a really exciting time for all British talent, be they athletes, musicians, comedians or performers. London 2012 represents a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire nation to unite in support of Team GB and ParalympicsGB. We can all play our part to help to inspire our athletes to achieve something amazing this summer.
“I am honoured to be supporting this special event, one which will certainly be a memorable milestone in the making of Our Greatest Team for London 2012.”
Take That star Gary Barlow, said:
“Our Greatest Team Rises is going to be a spectacular celebration of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes that will be representing our country during London 2012.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with the event as it will play such a crucial role in providing our athletes with the best preparation, from training camps to medical and logistical support for the London 2012 Games. This is the moment for the entire nation to rise up and unite in its support for Our Greatest Team.”
Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO said:
“Our Greatest Team Rises is the first in a series of exciting events taking place throughout 2012 in support of what will be the greatest Team GB and ParalympicsGB squad ever assembled - 900 athletes supported by 60 million passionate fans across the UK.
“It is fantastic to see some great British names from the world of entertainment on the line-up. I’m sure this will be a brilliant celebration of Our Greatest Team and a very special night in the company of many of our most accomplished Olympians and Paralympians.”
Craig Hunter, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission said: "Our Greatest Team Rises is a really exciting event, as it is the first time that Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes will come together, so it is fitting that there will be some exciting performances from British artists on the night. It promises to be a fantastic evening that really celebrates the best of British talent, both from the world of sport and the world of music."
Tickets remain available for this signature event, but with more outstanding talent expected to be added to the already fantastic show, anyone interested in attending is urged to secure their place quickly to avoid disappointment. Funds raised will support Team GB and ParalympicsGB in their quest to win more medals, from more sports than in over a century at the London 2012 Games.
For more information on ‘Our Greatest Team Rises, or to book tickets, visit www.ourgreatestteamrises.com