North Greenwich: Snooker Star To Top The Bill At Gala Dinner At The 02 Arena

by our RGB correspondent | In Greenwich

Six time world snooker champion and local boy Steve Davis OBE will be the guest speaker at a gala dinner next month in support of Royal Borough athletes.

The event is being hosted by Greenwich Starting Blocks – the local Trust that supports aspiring athletes by providing bursaries to cover the costs of training and competing. The fundraising dinner is a highlight of the Trust’s event calendar and takes place at The O2 on November 12.

With other special guests including Sky Sports presenter and former Olympic gymnast Jacquie Beltrao, the evening starts with pre-dinner drinks at 7.15pm before a three course dinner.

The Trust was set up to support local athletes in their bid to make it to the 2012 London Olympics. Athletes to enjoy the Trust’s backing so far include Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons, as well as Commonwealth gold medallists Zoe Smith and Tosin Oke. It currently supports 78 young athletes.

Buying a ticket will help more Greenwich athletes to compete at all levels.

Peter Bundey, Chair of Greenwich Starting Blocks said: “We are tremendously proud that over the past seven years we have played a vital part in the development of young Greenwich athletes enabling them to perform at the highest levels of world sport."

"Athletes supported by Greenwich Starting Blocks have competed at Olympic and Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, Commonwealth Games and Youth Championships across the globe. The successes of these athletes are now being used across the Royal Borough to inspire the next generation of young people to succeed in their chosen sport.

“We would like to thank all our generous contributors and sponsors who have provided essential funding to enable the scheme to develop. We look forward to seeing as many local businesses and individuals as possible at our forthcoming annual gala dinner so that we can introduce these talented athletes, celebrate their successes in 2015 and look forward to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio.”

Steve Davis said: “I’m pleased to have this opportunity to share my experience and career in snooker and now TV broadcasting with the next generation of Greenwich athletes on what I know will be a great night. With the combination of their natural talent and the right support, I know these athletes can shine on the world stage in the future.”

Tickets prices start from £85. To reserve a ticket or to book a table (for 10 people) please email: starting.blocks@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call 020 8921 5915.