The British Olympic Association (BOA) today revealed exciting plans for a special night of Olympic celebration in support of Team GB’s ambitious plans for medal success at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The ‘British Olympic Ball’ will see BOA President HRH The Princess Royal welcome a host of current and future stars of Team GB, alongside over 60 Olympic legends and major celebrities from the worlds of sport, fashion and entertainment, bringing together the ‘Best of British’ personalities in the stunning surrounds of The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

The contemporary event will take place on Friday 24th September 2010, as Britain’s Olympic hopefuls intensify their preparations, with less than two years to go until Team GB’s athletes enter the London 2012 Opening Ceremony with dreams of becoming Olympic Champions on home soil.
The British Olympic Ball serves as an important fundraising event for the BOA to support our present and future Olympic talent, who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of reaching the podium and fulfilling Britain’s Olympic dreams in London and beyond. Funds raised at the event will directly benefit Britain’s Olympic hopefuls through the delivery of world class services and Team GB preparations.

Planning for this unique occasion is being led by Committee Chairman and Olympic Performance Director Sir Clive Woodward, and Athlete Co-Chairs; sailing triple gold medallist Ben Ainslie CBE and BBC Sports Personality of the Year award winner Zara Phillips MBE.

Tickets for the flagship Olympic fundraising event will go on sale on June 14th and demand is anticipated to be extremely high, with the 1,100 tickets available expected to sell out quickly.

Guests at the exclusive bash will enjoy a champagne reception and four-course dinner before being treated to gold medal standard music and entertainment. It is also anticipated that a very special surprise announcement will be revealed on the night, creating a new landmark in British sport.

Sir Clive Woodward, British Olympic Ball Chairman said:
“We are in a unique, exciting period for British Olympic sport. In 2012, Team GB will be represented by the largest number of athletes since London first hosted the Games in 1908. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and represents a huge challenge for the BOA.
“Without doubt, this exceptional fundraising event is crucial to our ambition of achieving gold medal success with Team GB at London 2012. This is your chance to play a part in creating Team GB Olympic success and helping to inspire the nation with British Olympic pride in 2012.”

For more information visit www.britisholympicball.com or contact [email protected]

The British Olympic Associated (BOA) announced today that tickets for the British Olympic Ball are now on sale. Demand for the flagship fundraising event on 24th September is anticipated to be extremely high and the 1,100 tickets available are expected to sell out quickly.

Taking place in the stunning surrounds of The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the British Olympic Ball will be attended by a host of current and future stars of Team GB, alongside over 50 Olympic legends and major celebrities from the worlds of sport, fashion and entertainment for a unique night of Olympic celebration.

The British Olympic Ball serves as an important fundraising event for the BOA to support our present and future Olympic talent, who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of reaching the podium and fulfilling Britain’s Olympic dreams at London 2012 and beyond. Funds raised at the event will directly benefit Britain’s Olympic hopefuls through the delivery of world class services and supporting Team GB preparations.

Sir Clive Woodward, British Olympic Ball Chairman said:
“This special event provides individuals and organisations with a unique opportunity to play their part in creating Team GB Olympic success and helping to inspire the nation with Olympic pride in 2012. The event is shaping up to be a superb night of Olympic celebration in support of British athletes.”
For ticket package prices and further information please visit www.britisholympicball.com or contact [email protected]

The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced today that BT, the official communications services partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, is expanding its support for the athletes who will represent Team GB in London 2012 and beyond by becoming Presenting Partner of the British Olympic Ball for the next three years.

A signature fundraising event of the British Olympic Association, the British Olympic Ball, Presented by BT, will be held on 24th September in The Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. More than 1,100 fans and supporters of Team GB will join luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and sport, including over 50 Olympians, for a gala celebration of Britain’s London 2012 hopefuls.

Funds that are raised through the British Olympic Ball, Presented by BT, and other BOA programmes are essential in providing athletes with the high-performance services and support they need to excel on their journeys to, and during, the Olympic Games.

Sir Clive Woodward, British Olympic Ball Chairman, said: “As Presenting Partner of the British Olympic Ball, BT is making an important difference for Team GB athletes by helping to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to perform at their very best in London 2012 and beyond. For an athlete, there is no greater honour than representing your country on the international stage, and we appreciate the support of BT in making certain Team GB athletes are fully prepared to make the most of this special opportunity.”

Suzi Williams, director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, said: “This is a really exciting new collaboration for BT, putting us firmly at the heart of the British Olympic Association and of supporting and developing Team GB. Through the funds raised by the event, we look forward to helping the BOA develop the next generation of young Olympians for London 2012.” With just over a month remaining until the Ball, a limited number of tickets remain available for purchase. For information on packages, pricing or to reserve tickets, please visit www.britisholympicball.com or contact [email protected] Notes to editors:

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to transform British lives through the power of the Olympic values and the success of Team GB. The BOA’s role is to prepare the ‘Best of British’ athletes for, and lead them at, the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values and brand in the UK.

The BOA is receives no funding from the lottery or government, has no political interests and is completely dependent upon fundraising income to achieve its mission. The BOA is the strong, independent voice for British Olympic Sport. For further information, go to: www.olympics.org.uk

About BT

BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

BT is proud to be the official communications services partner for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the year ended 31 March 2010, BT Group’s revenue was £20,911 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt

Three of Great Britain’s highest profile music acts have been unveiled by the British Olympic Association (BOA) as the headline performers at the prestigious British Olympic Ball, presented by BT, on Friday 24th September.

Leading DJ and performer Mark Ronson along with renowned jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum and the Sugababes, one of the most successful female acts of the 21st century, will headline the evening’s entertainment, which takes place in the stunning surroundings of The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Internationally renowned magician Dynamo, who has performed for the likes of Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Snoop Dogg, Robbie Williams and Naomi Campbell, will also be performing live on stage at the event, as will entertainment sensation DJ Lora.

The evening’s entertainment will also see high profile nightclub, Chinawhite, run the exclusive after party for all attending guests.

The event is a celebration of the Best of British in Olympic sport, and serves as a critical fundraiser for the British Olympic Association to support our nation’s current and future Olympic athletes. A collection of Team GB’s brightest Olympic talent will be in attendance, including legends such as five-time Olympic Champion Steve Redgrave, and athletes who will be going for gold for the first time in London 2012, such as World and European Heptathlon Champion Jessica Ennis.

Planning for this unique occasion is being led by Committee Chairman and BOA Director of Sport Sir Clive Woodward, as well as Athlete Co-Chairs; sailing triple gold medallist Ben Ainslie CBE and former BBC Sports Personality of the Year award winner Zara Phillips MBE.

Tickets for the flagship Olympic fundraising event are on sale and there are limited places that remain available for what is set to be a fantastic evening of entertainment. All attending guests will enjoy a champagne reception and four-course dinner before being treated to gold medal standard music and entertainment.

The British Olympic Association and Team GB would like to thank BT, Official Presenting Partner of the British Olympic Ball and Official Supporting Partners adidas, BMW and BP for their support.

For more information or to book your table visit www.britisholympicball.com or contact [email protected]

For further press information contact:
Simon Bristow at Pitch
E: [email protected]
T: 020 7494 1616

Darryl Seibel at BOA
E:  [email protected]
T: 020 7842 5763

Notes to editors:
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to transform British lives through the power of the Olympic values and the success of Team GB. The BOA’s role is to prepare the ‘Best of British’ athletes for, and lead them at, the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values and brand in the UK.

The BOA is receives no funding from the lottery or government, has no political interests and is completely dependent upon fundraising income to achieve its mission. The BOA is the strong, independent voice for British Olympic Sport. For further information, go to: www.olympics.org.uk

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is delighted to announce that Amanda Holden and Ben Shephard, two of this country's best loved television personalities, will be hosting the prestigious British Olympic Ball, presented by BT, on Friday 24th September.
 
The duo will lead the evening's entertainment, which takes place in the stunning surroundings of The Great Room at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, and will be joined by a series of high profile entertainers throughout the evening, including: Mark Ronson, Jamie Cullum, the Sugababes, Dynamo and DJ Lora.
 
The star-studded event is a celebration of the Best of British in Olympic sport, and serves as a critical fundraiser for the British Olympic Association to support our nation's current and future Olympic athletes. A collection of Team GB's brightest Olympic stars will be in attendance, including legends such as five-time Olympic Champion Sir Steve Redgrave, and athletes who will be going for gold for the first time in London 2012, such as World and European Heptathlon Champion Jessica Ennis.
 
Planning for this unique occasion is being led by Committee Chairman and BOA Director of Sport Sir Clive Woodward, as well as Athlete Co-Chairs; sailing triple gold medallist Ben Ainslie CBE and former BBC Sports Personality of the Year award winner Zara Phillips MBE.
 
A limited number of tickets remain available for the Ball, but are expected to sellout soon. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception and four-course dinner before being treated to an exciting evening of music and entertainment - all in support of Team GB.
 
For more information or to book your table visit www.britisholympicball.com or contact [email protected]
 
The British Olympic Association and Team GB would like to thank BT, Official Presenting Partner of the British Olympic Ball and Official Supporting Partners adidas, BMW and BP for their support.

For further press information contact:
Simon Bristow at Pitch
E: [email protected]
T: 020 7494 1616

Darryl Seibel at BOA
E:  [email protected]
T: 020 7842 5763

Notes to editors:
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to transform British lives through the power of the Olympic values and the success of Team GB. The BOA’s role is to prepare the ‘Best of British’ athletes for, and lead them at, the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. The BOA delivers extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values and brand in the UK.

The BOA is receives no funding from the lottery or government, has no political interests and is completely dependent upon fundraising income to achieve its mission. The BOA is the strong, independent voice for British Olympic Sport. For further information, go to: www.olympics.org.uk

In the words of Hello! Magazine, the British Olympic Ball, presented by BT, at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday night was ‘The Ball of the Year’, and who am I to argue?

It was certainly a special night of Olympic celebration and it was a privilege to enjoy the company of over 60 British Olympic medallists alongside celebrity stars from the worlds of entertainment, music and business, and we were thrilled to be joined by HRH Prince Harry as our guest of honour.

The event was a tremendous show of support for the British Olympic Association and Team GB. In between the dancing and merriment was a serious raison d’être: as an independent organisation that relies solely on private funding, the British Olympic Ball is a crucial fundraiser.

Funds raised will enable Team GB athletes to make the most of the once-in-a-generation opportunity of competing right here in London in 2012, so I was delighted that London 2012 hopefuls including Jessica Ennis, Zoe Smith and Daniel Keatings were able to sit alongside Olympic legends such as Steve Redgrave, Matt Pinsent and Jonathan Edwards and see firsthand the terrific level of support and passion that exists for them to succeed in London.

Commitment, dedication and passion was present at the British Olympic Ball, presented by BT, where fans of Team GB were keen to do their bit to support our nation’s athletes on the road to 2012. The event was bigger and better than ever before and many of the business leaders and distinguished guests in the room were generous with their support, which enabled us to raise a significant six-figure sum from the night and make this our most successful Olympic Ball.

Now there are less than two years to go to 2012, or 95 Monday’s, you can really feel the momentum and the sense of anticipation building across the length and breadth of the country.

London 2012 represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Team GB athletes, for sport, for our nation.  I for one am incredibly excited and energised but we won’t rest on our laurels. As we say at the BOA - Better Never Stops.

Andy Hunt
CEO, British Olympic Association

Following the outstanding success of the 2010 British Olympic Ball presented by BT, which was attended by HRH Prince Harry and acclaimed ‘The Ball of the Year’ by Hello! Magazine, the 2011 BT British Olympic Ball is shaping up to be the ultimate pre-Olympic party.

The signature fundraising event in support of Team GB’s athletes will be bigger and better than ever in 2011.  

The date of the 2011 BT British Olympic Ball is revealed today as Friday 7th October, exactly 42 weeks ahead of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony. The BT British Olympic Ball will be the last chance to get involved and show your support for Our Greatest Team – Team GB in advance of London 2012; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is delighted to announce that BT, the official communications services partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, is continuing its support for the athletes who will represent Team GB in London 2012 by elevating their status to title partner of the British Olympic Ball in 2011 and 2012.

For the first time the 2011 BT British Olympic Ball will take place in the spectacular setting of the Grand Hall, Kensington Olympia. The new venue will provide space for an additional 700 guests and allow the music and entertainment offering to be our greatest yet.

Last year’s event, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel was attended by 1,100 guests including over 60 British Olympic medalists such as British Olympic legends Steve Redgrave and Matt Pinsent and current stars Amy Williams and Jessica Ennis.

Guest of honour HRH Prince Harry attended alongside celebrity stars from the worlds of showbiz, entertainment and business including Myleene Klass, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Duncan Bannatyne. TV personalities Amanda Holden and Ben Shephard hosted the event while live performances from the highly talented Jamie Cullum, Mark Ronson and DJ Lora kept the dancefloor packed until 3 am.

The success of the event is crucial for Team GB. As an independent organisation that relies solely on private funding, the BT British Olympic Ball is a vital fundraiser for the BOA.  The valuable funds raised will enable Team GB to put forward its greatest team to achieve medal success at the Olympic Games here in London in 2012.

Sir Clive Woodward, BT British Olympic Ball Chairman, said:

“The 2011 BT British Olympic Ball will take place exactly 42 weeks ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games when the nation’s excitement levels will be reaching fever pitch. It will be the ultimate pre-Olympic party and is the last chance to show your support for Our Greatest Team – Team GB in advance of London 2012.  

“The crucial fundraising event is a unique opportunity to celebrate British Olympic athletes; past, present and future, at this special moment in time, and to play your part in contributing to the preparation of Team GB for success at London 2012. 

  “As Title Partner of the British Olympic Ball, BT is making an important difference to Team GB athletes by helping to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to perform at their very best in London 2012 and beyond.”

Suzi Williams, Director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, said:

"Following the success of last year's British Olympic Ball we're proud to be re-affirming our commitment to the British Olympic Association by becoming the Title Partner for this year's event. With the start of the Olympic Games just over 500 days away, this fundraising event will play an important role in supporting and developing Team GB. We're thrilled to be helping all our athletes be the very best they can be in 2012."

Zara Phillips, said: 

“I am delighted to be Athlete Co-Chairman together with Ben Ainslie again this year.

“London hosting the Olympic Games is a once in a lifetime experience for British athletes and supporters and the British Olympic Ball is your opportunity to join the most important pre-Olympic party.  

“If last year is anything to go by the Ball will be a brilliant and unforgettable celebration. Join us and be a part of the success of British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Your support is vital and with it, we will make the nation proud in London 2012. Support Team GB at the 2011 British Olympic Ball.”  

Tickets on sale now at www.britisholympicball.com.

Legendary singer Sir Tom Jones has today been announced as the headline artist performing at the BT British Olympic Ball at Kensington Olympia on the 7th October.

With a musical career spanning six decades, the Welsh superstar will be treating guests to a dynamic performance of his repertoire at the celebrity-studded event. Knighted for services to music in 2006, Sir Tom is always pleased to be asked to entertain at high profile events, having performed for the Queen at her Golden Jubilee celebration and for President Bill Clinton at the New Year’s Eve Millennium celebrations in Washington DC.

"It’s an honour to be asked to contribute to the success of this very special evening for the British Olympic effort in 2012. There seems to be a huge buzz surrounding everything relating to the Olympics already, and I’m very happy indeed to help the cause in any way I can. Our devoted and determined athletes work long and hard for their accomplishments, and deserve all the support we can give."

Described by Hello! Magazine as the ‘Ball of the year’ in 2010, guests included Prince Harry and Zara Phillips along with a host of British Olympians and sporting celebrities. This year’s Ball will see a number of Team 2012 Olympic hopefuls joined by numerous celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment, all coming together to celebrate ‘Our Greatest Team’ ahead of London 2012.

Tables for the exclusive event have been in incredibly high demand with people keen to secure a place at what is set to be a fantastic evening. With anticipation building around the additional musical acts expected to join Sir Tom on the evening’s bill, and the fabulous auction prizes on offer on the night, the remaining tables are expected to sell quickly.

Sir Clive Woodward, BT British Olympic Ball Committee Chair, commented: “We are delighted that Sir Tom Jones will be joining us at the Ball and are thoroughly looking forward to his performance. With such a show-stopping act headlining the evening we are confident that this year’s BT British Olympic Ball will be even more spectacular than the hugely successful 2010 event.”

Suzi Williams, director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, added: “Everyone at BT is delighted to be supporting this fantastic event for the second year in a row and getting behind our great British athletes. Having the legendary Sir Tom Jones as part of the line up will make it a special evening for all concerned.”

Michelin-starred chef, Tom Aikens, has today been unveiled as the executive chef for the BT British Olympic Ball, to be held at Kensington Olympia on the 7th October.

Aged just 26, Aikens became the youngest ever head chef to be awarded two Michelin stars whilst at Pied à Terre in London, and his passion for innovative French cuisine has earned him the reputation as one of the most exciting chefs in the UK.

Aikens commented, “I feel privileged to have been asked to act as Executive Chef at the BT British Olympic Ball. I’m a big supporter of Team GB and am relishing the opportunity to design a menu for some of Britain’s greatest sporting talent on such a prestigious occasion.” In 2010, the event was attended by guests including Prince Harry and Zara Phillips, along with a host of British Olympians and sporting heroes. At this year’s Ball, a number of Olympic hopefuls and numerous celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment will be coming together to celebrate Team GB ahead of London 2012.

Following the success of last year’s Ball and the high demand for tickets, even more tables have been opened for this year’s event and are selling quickly. Guests are preparing for a night to remember, with Sir Tom Jones named as the headline act and exclusive auction prizes on offer designed to raise essential funds for Team GB.

British Olympic Association CEO, Andy Hunt, commented: “We are all very excited that Tom Aikens will be bringing his culinary expertise to the Ball. He is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most gifted chefs and we are looking forward to seeing what he will create on the night. To have such a great British talent supporting this Team GB event will certainly add a special flavour to the evening.”

Michelin-starred chef, Tom Aikens, has today been unveiled as the executive chef for the BT British Olympic Ball, to be held at Kensington Olympia on the 7th October.

Aged just 26, Aikens became the youngest ever head chef to be awarded two Michelin stars whilst at Pied à Terre in London, and his passion for innovative French cuisine has earned him the reputation as one of the most exciting chefs in the UK.

Aikens commented, “I feel privileged to have been asked to act as Executive Chef at the BT British Olympic Ball. I’m a big supporter of Team GB and am relishing the opportunity to design a menu for some of Britain’s greatest sporting talent on such a prestigious occasion.” In 2010, the event was attended by guests including Prince Harry and Zara Phillips, along with a host of British Olympians and sporting heroes. At this year’s Ball, a number of Olympic hopefuls and numerous celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment will be coming together to celebrate Team GB ahead of London 2012.

Following the success of last year’s Ball and the high demand for tickets, even more tables have been opened for this year’s event and are selling quickly. Guests are preparing for a night to remember, with Sir Tom Jones named as the headline act and exclusive auction prizes on offer designed to raise essential funds for Team GB.

British Olympic Association CEO, Andy Hunt, commented: “We are all very excited that Tom Aikens will be bringing his culinary expertise to the Ball. He is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most gifted chefs and we are looking forward to seeing what he will create on the night. To have such a great British talent supporting this Team GB event will certainly add a special flavour to the evening.”

Two of Britain’s best loved entertainers, Stephen Fry and Miranda Hart, have been confirmed as the hosts of this year’s BT British Olympic Ball at Kensington Olympia on Friday 7th October.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) event, which will act as a crucial fundraiser for Team GB ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, is set to be a celebrity packed evening with a host of Britain’s greatest Olympians and leading names from the world of sport and entertainment due to attend.

Stephen and Miranda will lead the evening’s entertainment and will be joined by a series of high profile performers.

Current star of Strictly Come Dancing, Rory Bremner, will also play a crucial role at the event as an additional host over the course of what is set to be an incredible celebration of the greatest team Great Britain and Northern Ireland has sent to an Olympic Games for over a century.

The BOA has also confirmed today that award winning artists, Tinchy Stryder and Dappy, will perform a series of songs on the evening. The duo have experienced huge chart success during 2011 with Dappy’s latest single, ‘No Regrets’, currently number 1 in the charts and Tinchy releases his new single “Off the Record” in November. They have had great success with two collaborations, ‘Spaceship’ and “Number 1”.

Sir Tom Jones has already been unveiled as the headline act for the event.

The evening’s entertainment will also see high profile nightclub, Chinawhite, run the exclusive on site after party for all attending guests.

Stephen Fry commented:
“As the London 2012 Olympic Games draw ever nearer, the athletes that will be a part of Team GB are increasingly becoming the superstars of this country. The Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone, from the athletes competing to those of us who will be cheering them on, so it is essential that we do everything we can to ensure our athletes have the best possible chance of success.

“I am absolutely delighted to be involved with this year’s BT British Olympic Ball as it plays such a crucial role in providing our athletes with the ultimate preparation, from training camps to medical and logistical support. The funds raised will help to ensure we can all rejoice as we watch Team GB’s athletes unite the nation with their inspirational performances next summer.”

Miranda Hart added:
“I feel very honoured to have been asked to present the BT British Olympic Ball. It's lovely to feel part in some way of Team GB, particularly since they didn't let me compete in any category, even the high jump where I am naturally gifted.”

Rory Bremner said:
“Everyone is getting excited about the prospect of London 2012 and so I’m sure the BT British Olympic Ball will be a special evening of celebration. It’s important to emphasise the critical nature of this event for Team GB as well, the funds it raises make a tangible difference to our athletes, meaning we can all celebrate their successes next summer. I’m pleased to be involved with the event, it will be a fantastic evening for everyone attending.”

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO said:
“We are delighted to announce such a strong line up of talent for this very special occasion in support of Team GB – Our Greatest Team. In combination with the many Olympians - past, present and future - in attendance, these personalities will ensure that the Best of British talent is showcased across the worlds of sport, music and entertainment. With these artists joining the legendary Tom Jones, the BT British Olympic Ball is all set to be a spectacular night to remember.”

Suzi Williams, director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, added:
“Everyone at BT is proud to be supporting this fantastic event for the second year in a row and getting behind Team GB. Having Stephen Fry and Miranda Hart as co-hosts will ensure a highly entertaining and memorable night for all those involved.”

With limited spaces left available for the evening, this announcement represents the last chance for anyone interested in attending to book one of the remaining tables. For more information on the BT British Olympic Ball, or to book tickets, visit www.britisholympicball.com

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is pleased to announce that its flagship fundraising event for Team GB, the BT British Olympic Ball, has now achieved its target of selling over 2012 tickets. Following the unprecedented desire to support Britain’s athletes in their quest for London 2012 Olympic success, the BOA is now making available an additional 120 tickets (ten tables) for this special British Olympic celebration.

With tomorrow marking 300 days until the London 2012 Olympic Games, the BOA will raise vital funds for Team GB – Our Greatest Team - on the night by auctioning off a selection of once in a lifetime opportunities to support Team GB at London 2012. This includes the opportunity to attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Guests at the event will have the chance to bid on some of the most sought after attractions of the London 2012 Games thanks to Prestige Ticketing who have donated some of their top official London 2012 hospitality packages in support of Team GB. They include the chance to attend finals sessions to see Britain’s successful track cyclists go for gold in the Velodrome, as well as women’s gymnastics in the North Greenwich Arena, Beach Volleyball on Horse Guards Parade and swimming finals in the spectacular Aquatics Centre. Perhaps the most coveted auction item of all will be the chance for a winner and three guests to attend the Men’s 100m Final in the Olympic Stadium to watch the fastest men on earth battle it out for gold.

Other items on offer range from privately owned exclusive holiday retreats to unique sporting experiences involving many of Britain’s Olympic sports and most celebrated athletes. For the entertainment fans at the event there will even be the opportunity to bid on tickets for the finale of American Idol in Los Angeles scheduled for May next year, with travel, luxury accommodation and tickets to Disneyland Park also included.

To view the auction prizes in more detail, click here

Hosted by two of Britain’s best loved entertainers, Miranda Hart and Stephen Fry, the event will be held at Kensington Olympia on Friday 7th October and will pay tribute to a host of British Olympians and Olympic hopefuls alongside celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment. Strictly Come Dancing rising star, Rory Bremner, will also act as an additional host at the event.

Over 100 Team GB Olympians and London 2012 medal hopefuls, including Ben Ainslie (three-times sailing Olympic gold medallist), Bradley Wiggins (three-times cycling Olympic gold medallist), Dai Greene (athletics 400m hurdles World Champion) and Alistair Brownlee (triathlon World Champion), alongside British Olympic legends including Sir Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis and Amir Khan, are expected to attend. In total, it is expected that the winners of over 140 Olympic medals, including more than 80 gold medals, will be present in the room, making it a truly unique and special celebration of British Olympic success.

On the night guests will be entertained by a variety of British talent including the headline act, music legend Sir Tom Jones, and award-winning artists Tinchy Stryder and Dappy. High profile nightspot Chinawhite will host an after-party within the venue to round off the evening, with the internationally renowned DJ Lora playing a set and entertainment from master of magic David Redfearn.

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the milestone of 300 days to go to London 2012 by announcing that over 2012 tickets for the BT British Olympic Ball have been sold. This is a testament to the fantastic level of support that exists for Team GB - Our Greatest Team. The event has doubled in size since the success of last year and with many excellent and exclusive auction prizes on offer we will raise vital funds for Team GB ahead of London 2012. The Ball is a crucial fundraiser and with the outstanding entertainment on offer it is sure to be a night to remember.”

Suzi Williams, Director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, added:
“Everyone at BT is really proud to be supporting Team GB through our ongoing sponsorship of the BT British Olympic Ball. Lucky ticketholders are in for a fantastic evening next week and I'm sure we'll raise a lot of money for Team GB in preparation for London 2012.” With very limited availability left for the evening, this announcement represents the last chance for anyone interested in attending to book one of the few remaining tables. For more information on the BT British Olympic Ball, or to book tickets, visit www.britisholympicball.com

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is delighted to announce that the 2011 BT British Olympic Ball, which took place last Friday (7th October) at Kensington Olympia, has raised well over £700,000 for Team GB, far exceeding the fundraising target for the event.

The star studded, sell out evening saw more than 2,000 guests from the world of sport and entertainment rubbing shoulders with Olympic legends and Team GB hopefuls in Olympia’s stunning Grand Hall. In total, the winners of over 140 Olympic medals, including more than 80 gold medals, were present in the room, making it a truly unique and special celebration of British Olympic success.

Among those to walk the glittering gold carpet were three-times cycling Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, 400m hurdles World Champion Dai Greene, triathlon world number one and two Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave and a host of celebrities including Downtown Abbey’s Dan Stevens, former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm, model Nell McAndrew and singer Katie Melua.

HRH Princess Anne was guest of honour on the evening. An Olympian herself, the Princess Royal delivered a speech calling on the entire nation to unite in support of the greatest team Great Britain and Northern Ireland will ever have sent to an Olympic Games.

As part of the evening’s entertainment guests were treated to performances by the legendary Sir Tom Jones and current rap sensation Tinchy Stryder. The exquisite menu was devised by Michelin starred Executive Chef Tom Aikens.

Hosted by Stephen Fry and Miranda Hart, the evening allowed guests the unique opportunity to bid on once in a lifetime London 2012 hospitality packages donated by Prestige Ticketing, including the chance to watch the finals sessions for track cycling in the Velodrome, swimming in the Aquatics Centre and perhaps the most coveted seats of all: the men’s 100m final.

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO said:
“The 2011 BT British Olympic Ball was bigger and better than ever and we are delighted with the tremendous level of support expressed for Team GB from the 2,200 guests in attendance. Raising nearly three-quarters of a million pounds from this event is a fantastic outcome for Team GB and we are really grateful to everyone who supported and participated in the event.
“It was an outstanding evening of high quality music and entertainment and it was inspiring to see over one hundred of our greatest Olympians, spanning five decades of British Olympic success, alongside many of the current athletes who will represent Team GB as part of Our Greatest Team at the London 2012 Games.
“It was a truly memorable occasion and, crucially, the excellent level of funds raised will help the British Olympic Association to provide Team GB with the high performance support and expertise necessary to achieve our aspiration of winning more medals from more sports at London 2012.”

Ben Ainslie, triple Olympic gold medallist and Athlete Co-Chair for the BT British Olympic Ball, said:
“I was delighted at how successful this year’s event was. To see more than 2,000 people coming out to support what will be our greatest ever Team GB was inspiring for myself and all the other athletes who attended.
“London 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the BOA’s aspiration for Team GB to win more medals from more sports than we have done in over a century is an ambitious one. The funds raised at the Ball will help in achieving these goals.”

Olympic Gold medallist, Sally Gunnell, added:
“This year’s BT British Olympic Ball was an outstanding success and an inspirational evening for all the athletes who attended. As a former member of Team GB, I understand how important it is that we give our athletes every chance of success next summer, the funds raised at the Ball will help to ensure that everything is in place to allow them to perform to the highest possible standard.”

Suzi Williams, director, BT Group Marketing & Brand, said:
“We’re proud to have helped make the 2011 BT British Olympic Ball the best yet. It was a fantastic event and the money raised will help Team GB give their best performance next summer. And we’re delighted that it doesn’t stop there - we look forwards to supporting an even better celebration after the Games next year.”

Peter Mather, BP’s Head of Country UK, said:
“In addition to the fantastic sums raised at the ball, BP Target Neutral offset the entire travel carbon footprint of the ball as part of BP’s commitment to help make London 2012 the most sustainable Games possible. The BOA is joining Target Neutral and spectators from around the world in setting a new world record for the most number of journeys offset to a single event – London 2012.
We’re proud to be supporting the BOA and Team GB, at the ball and beyond, as they aim for success at the Games”

Richard Hudson, Marketing Director, BMW UK, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our support of Team GB as a partner of this year’s hugely successful BT British Olympic Ball. Our proud support of over 100 athletes in the BMW London 2012 Performance Team and our continued commitment to the BOA will enable Team GB to deliver the ultimate performance at London 2012.”

To support British athletes in achieving success at Olympic summer and winter Games, the British Olympic Association (BOA) announced today that it will once again deliver the Team GB Ambition Programme at the London 2012 Games.

The programme will focus on athletes and coaches who aspire to represent Team GB at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Athletes and coaches from all 35 sports on the Olympic Programme for the next two Games (28 summer, seven winter) will be eligible for the Team GB Ambition Programme. Participants will be nominated by their respective National Governing Bodies, and approximately 200 athletes and coaches will be selected to take part.

The Team GB Ambition Programme will be directed by Sarah Winckless, a bronze medalist in rowing at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, two-time World Champion, and current Chair of the BOA Athletes’ Commission; with oversight from Clive Woodward, Team GB Deputy Chef de Mission and BOA Director of Sport.

Further support for the Team GB Ambition Progamme will be provided by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who were introduced today as Official Ambassadors for Team GB and Paralympics GB for the London 2012 Games.

The Team GB Ambition Programme has four specific objectives:
• To support aspiring Olympians and their coaches by providing practical insight into the unique aspects of the Olympic Games environment
• To inspire young athletes and their coaches to continue pursuing their ambitions
• To develop greater awareness and understanding of the Olympic Values and the One Team GB culture
• To foster communication and a commitment amongst participants, the BOA, Team GB Ambassadors, Team GB Olympians from previous Games and the National Governing Bodies


Programme participants will begin their journey with a two-day stay at the Team GB Prep Camp at Loughborough University, where they will take part in a Team GB orientation session, Olympic education programmes and their own version of ‘kitting out.’

From there, the participants will travel to London for three days of hands-on experience in the Olympic Games environment, including two sessions of sport competition (including, where possible, their own sport), a behind-the-scenes tour of Team GB House, and inspirational presentations from Team GB Ambassadors. The participants will be housed at Queen Mary University, where most members of the Team GB support staff for London 2012 will reside.

The final element of the programme will be a one-day workshop following the Olympic Games, during which participants will reflect upon and share their experiences, and develop strategies to share the knowledge and understanding gained with others in their sport.

The Team GB Ambition Programme was introduced in conjunction with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and proved to be highly successful. The inaugural programme included 152 athletes and coaches across every sport on the summer Games programme. Among the aspiring Olympians who participated in the 2008 programme and are now vying for positions on Team GB for London 2012 are:

Jonathan Brownlee, triathlon
Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns, beach volleyball
Perri Shakes Drayton, athletics
Paul Drinkhall, table tennis
Hannah England, athletics
Chrystall Nicoll, fencing
Sam Oldham, gymnastics
Zoe Smith, weightlifting
Mhairi Spence, modern pentathlon


Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA Chief Executive:

“Following the successful launch of the Team GB Ambition Programme in 2008, we are delighted to once again work in partnership with the National Governing Bodies to provide aspiring Olympic athletes and coaches with this unique introduction to the Games environment.

"Athletes and coaches who have succeeded in the Olympic Games often reflect upon the importance of being aware of the complexities and pressures of the Games environment, and having confidence in knowing how to deal with those challenges. That’s what this programme is all about: supporting British athletes and coaches at the highest level of international sport by providing an invaluable introduction to the Olympic environment.

"We are particularly pleased to draw upon the experience and inspiration of Sarah Winckless, our Team GB Ambassadors, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.”

Sarah Winckless, Head of Team GB Ambition Programme and BOA Athletes’ Commission Chair:

“The Olympic Games environment is unlike anything else in sport. It is impossible to simulate or replicate, which makes it all the more beneficial for athletes and coaches to have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience before actually competing in the Games. The Team GB Ambition Programme is instrumental in providing aspiring Olympians with the understanding and confidence they need to navigate the Olympic environment and, ultimately, succeed on the field of play.

"Programme participants will also benefit from the friendships they will develop with their peers, and from the insight and inspiration offered by Team GB ambassadors who have earned the ultimate honour of representing Team GB in previous Olympic Games.”

For more information, please contact the BOA Communications Division at +44 (0) 207 842 5700.