THE fundraising drive for Special Olympics is in its final stages. With only eight weeks to go people throughout Tyrone are being encouraged to get behind the Support an Athlete Campaign.
Fundraising coordinator for Tyrone Pauline McSorley said of the recent Support an Athlete Campaign, "I have been very impressed with the generosity of people of Tyrone so far, but we have a lot more to do to reach the fundraising target before the end of April.
"I would like to encourage more schools, clubs, companies and individuals to get behind us and do what they can to help Tyrone reach its target. All events and fundraising ideas are welcome".
Various events have already taken place and more is yet to come.
Molly Sweeney's in Omagh is organising a fundraising party tomorrow (Friday) with fun and entertainment guaranteed. Everything from line dancers, river dancers, Tyrone players, including Peter Canavan, will be there to sign autographs and there is a No. 8 football shirt signed by Stephen Gerard up for auction.
Local people can become involved by supporting the taxis displaying Special Olympics posters on March 17 or eating in the Chinese restaurants which are supporting an athlete by donating 50p of every meal on Mothers Day.
Pam Devlin in the Top of the Town is organising a Rock Night, before the end of May.
Pauline McSorley said, One event everyone is talking about is the gala ball and auction in the Silverbirch Hotel on April 19. It is hoped the event will raise the most money especially as we have signed sporting memorabilia from sporting celebrities such as:
Frankie Dettori – Photograph of him winning seven races at Ascot in 1996 with certificate of authenticity
Tiger Woods-fist pump photo presentation. Upper deck authenticated
Man U – Photograph signed by 27 of past players/managers (Limited Edition only 2000 copies in circulation)
Liverpool – Photograph – signed by 27 past players/managers (Limited Edition only 2000 copies in circulation)
Muhammad Ali – Boxing Glove in a beautiful presentation and signed by the boxer. This is online authenticated.
Ferrari team shirt presentation personally signed by Michael Schumacher accompanied by a letter from Schumacher's Management Company and certificate of authenticity
A stunning Diadora football presentation signed by Man United legend Roy Keane with a certificate of authenticity.
Viewing can be arranged for any of the items however appointments will have to be made to gain access to the premises where the items are secured.
Items will not be sold prior to the Gala Ball however bids will be accepted. All items have a set price to reach before they can be sold.
Pauline said of the Gala evening, "We are very excited about the interest in the gala evening and have a wonderful night planned with a special guest or two in attendance. A special thanks to all those who are supporting the campaign by buying a table at the event.
There are still tickets available for those interested in coming along.
If you would like to register your support and fundraising ideas for Special Olympics Tyrone; or would like tickets for the gala ball and/or would like a viewing of the pieces up for auction....please contact Pauline on the numbers listed below.
