WF1 Helps SIA Celebrate 35 Years

Posted on Tuesday 27 Oct 2009 and tagged with corporate, charity, SIA.

To help celebrate the 35th anniversary of the national charity the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), the AT&T Williams team has agreed to feature the charity’s logo on either side of the AT&T Williams driver helmets of Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima that will be worn during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 1 November. This fantastic branding opportunity will help increase awareness of the SIA whilst reaffirming the strong link between the team and charity in this landmark year.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the perfect forerunner to the charity’s final event of 2009. On Thursday 26 November, the SIA culminate their 35th anniversary activities by hosting a celebration ball and auction for 300 VIP guests at the stunning East Wintergarden venue located in the heart of Canary Wharf, London.

Following on from his car accident in 1986, Frank Williams (Williams F1’s Team Principal) received invaluable personal support from the SIA. Since then, he and his company continue to recognise the SIA as their Official Charity and offer support to many of the charity’s other fundraising activities. Earlier this year, Williams F1 entered a team to run in the prestigious Flora London Marathon as well as the challenging 12 hour Ski-a-Thon raising substantial fundraising revenue through personal sponsorship.

Paul Smith, Executive Director of Spinal Injuries Association, said the charity was extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity granted by Williams F1, adding; “This is a fantastic gesture from Frank and his team, a truly unique opportunity to have the chance to see the SIA logo travel at over 200mph! As always we wish the AT&T Williams team every success and good fortune in the race.”

Frank Williams added, “The SIA is dedicated to improving the lives of those that are spinal cord injured who often find themselves in difficult circumstances. Like many charities, the SIA is operated by a group of selfless people who deserve as much support in their efforts as possible so we are delighted to be able to lend our support in this way.“

About Spinal Cord Injury and the SIA:

• Every day three people are paralysed for life by damage to their spinal cord.  

• There are an estimated 40,000 people in the UK with Spinal Cord Injury.  

• SIA helps people with Spinal Cord Injury and their families to return to full independence - from the moment of injury - for the rest of their lives.  Our work includes:

• Providing services - from peer support in all specialist spinal centres in the country, to mentoring and specialist advice on returning to work, taking up new studies or training advice.

• Campaigning for improved medical and social care for Spinal Cord Injury.

• Working to create awareness of the causes and consequences of Spinal Cord Injury.

Please visit www.spinal.co.uk for more information.

For more information on the gala dinner, please contact Lucy Flynn on 0845 678 6633 ext.224

Event Details:
What: SIA 35th Anniversary Celebration
When: Thursday 26 November 2009, 7pm – 12.30am
Where: The East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf , London
Cost: £2000 for a table of 10
Evening comprises of Champagne Reception, dinner, auction & then dancing to the live band Backbeat Village.