CELTIC FC Foundation’s Sporting Dinner took place at Celtic Park last night – supported by BT Sport for the second year in a row – and the sell-out event proved to be another great success, with the incredible amount in the region of £70,000 raised.
Attending his first Sporting Dinner was Celtic Manager, Ronny Deila with members of his backroom staff and several of the first-team squad.
The principal beneficiary of the dinner is Celtic FC Foundation’s nationwide Inspiring Sport project, which builds on and enhances our existing partnership with Scottish Disability Sport.
It aims to effect considerable change and impact for people with a high level of support needs and will focus heavily on those with the most severe disabilities, who are often the most excluded.
Inspiring Sport will provide physical activity in sport for young people with severe and complex disabilities and also, working closely with all 13 Scottish Disability Sport branches across Scotland, establish a series of pan-disability events and programmes with a focus on severe impairments.
MC for the evening was well-known broadcaster Paul Cooney, with the inimitable Andy Cameron, entertaining the guests as only he can do, through the auction and raffle.
Following a welcome by Celtic Chairman, Ian Bankier, Paul Cooney hosted a Q&A on stage with club captain, Scott Brown, Craig Gordon and John Guidetti and this was followed later in the evening by a hilarious video piece featuring messages of support from the first-team squad.
Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation provided a note of thanks and introduced Martin Perry – a Paralympian table tennis athlete – whose inspirational words highlighted the importance of sporting opportunities for young people with disabilities.
Next up was Ronny Deila who shared his thoughts on his first season at Celtic and the hopes he has for the future. All guests were rapturous in their appreciation as he ended with the now infamous, Ronny Roar.
Ronny was followed on stage by Scotland manager, Gordon Strachan – who received the warmest of welcomes from everyone in attendance – for a Q&A with Paul Cooney.
The former Celtic manager entertained guests with a wealth of wonderful stories from across his illustrious career, many of which involved the legend that is Tommy Burns.
The event also included stand-up comedian, Mick Miller, a fabulous four-course meal, complimentary drink for each guest provided by club sponsor, Magners and silent auction.
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, said: “We are absolutely delighted, once again, with the success of the Sporting Dinner.
“Celtic FC Foundation continues to go from strength to strength and we are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the evening.
“The efforts of everyone on the night mean that we will be able to support more and more young people with disability.
“Celtic was formed to help those in need and we are proud that we continue to achieve this objective.”
Celtic FC Foundation CEO, Tony Hamilton, added: “The support received was just remarkable.
“It now means we can develop our partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and, through Inspiring Sport, see wonderful benefits for children and young people with complex and severe disabilities across the country.
“As usual, the club have been outstanding in their support of this event. The Annual Sporting Dinner once again demonstrated what makes this football club special and sincere thanks go to everyone who attended and who helped deliver it.”
The Sporting Dinner is one of Celtic FC Foundation’s key fundraising events and its success was due to the phenomenal support from BT Sport, table holders, guests, prize donors and all those who gave up their time to support a fantastic cause. Thank you to each and every one of you.
To register your interest in our 2016 Sporting Dinner, please email [email protected] or call 0141 551 4262.
