Paul McCartney calls for British support of the ParalympicsGB

From paulmccartney.com, July 2, 2008:

Paul today launches a £2 million fundraising campaign for ParalympicsGB to support athletes heading to the Beijing Games, as well as to invest in the future of disability sport in the UK both in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. BT – as a partner of ParalympicsGB – has helped them to create and run the campaign, which will launch during Location Location Location at 8.50pm today on Channel 4. Following this the ad can be viewed at www.bt.com/paralympicsGB.

Donations can be made online, by calling 0800 1114321 or texting SUPPORT to 82010. The first, a brand ad for ParalympicsGB, created by Team Saatchi and directed by Luke Scott, Ridley Scott’s son, has Sir Paul’s iconic Live and Let Die as the soundtrack. Featuring a number of established and emerging athletes with a disability, the film is a moving and inspiring piece that not only shows the skill and ability of the athletes but also the excitement of competing.

The second ad, a charity appeal featuring Sir Paul himself asking the British public to make a donation to ParalympicsGB, will be screened from 7th July. Sir Paul commented on the films I met leading Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen and was completely blown away by her skill, dedication and the fact that she had won a gold medal for Britain, so I felt I had to do something. My suggestion was simple why not create an ad that would highlight the work of ParalympicsGB and call on the British Public to donate much needed money. It was the start of a truly amazing effort from all those involved most of whom gave their time for free. Phil Lane, CEO of ParalympicsGB comments: We are delighted that Sir Paul McCartney has been involved with this initiative.

His commitment has been incredible and this fundraising campaign would not have happened without him. We also extend our thanks to our partner BT who made the ad possible and donated the first ad space. Our athletes are amazing people but the team needs a lot of financial support in order to compete. Suzi Williams, Group Marketing & Brand Director at BT says: BT has a long history with the Paralympic movement, and is a proud partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. This ParalympicsGB campaign is a fantastic next step in our relationship .It expresses the uniquely powerful contribution of Paralympians to Britain’s sporting legacy. In many cases, they are some of our best hopes for gold medals, and BT is proud to be helping them be the best they can be. ParalympicsGB provides crucial and fundamental support to all competing Paralympic athletes.

From nurturing talent, supporting coaches, providing medical and sport science support, acclimatisation and training facilities, to financing travel to competition, ParalympicsGB needs money to make sure this inspirational team of athletes is able to train and compete at the highest level.