Member Article

Challenge Trophy launched in style

The biggest charity sporting event to be launched in the North East since the Great North Run was announced yesterday by The Prince’s Trust. The Trust is setting the target of raising money in the North East to help 5,000 local unemployed young people by the end of 2008. The youth charity will meet this goal by holding a series of high-profile sporting events to be known as The Prince’s Trust Challenge Trophy.

The celebrity-supported series of events will see two teams of sports personalities as well as stars of stage and screen do battle in sporting arenas across the region – including one planned to take place at St James’ Park, where the Challenge Trophy was launched yesterday. At the launch His Grace, The Duke of Northumberland threw down the gauntlet to The Right Honourable Earl of Durham, Lord Durham who in true sporting tradition accepted the challenge between the North and South of the region.

Two world class athletes have been confirmed as team coaches, Jonathan Edwards CBE for ‘The Duke’s Team’ and Steve Cram MBE for ‘The Earl of Durham’s Team’. Following Jonathan and Steve’s lead many celebrities have already pledged their support including Peter Beardsley, Kevin Ball, and BBC sports presenter Jeff Brown.

Jonathan Edwards CBE said: “The people of the North East are mad about sport, so I hope they will show their support for the Prince’s Trust Challenge Trophy and come along to cheer on the teams, and spot some celebrities. Their ticket price will go towards helping young people right here in the North East to turn their lives around.”

Corporate backing has already been gained from a number of regional and national organisations that will sponsor the Challenge Trophy in its first year. JJB has signed a kit sponsorship deal and several companies have signed key sponsor deals. Two further key sponsorship packages are still available to companies wanting to help young people in the North East.

Details on the events and tickets are available at www.princes-trust.org.uk/trophy or by calling 0191 497 3215.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .