|
Gifted young basketball player,
Conner Washington from Bedford, has today got a spring in his
step after finding out that The Embankment, Bedford is planning
to support him all the way to the Olympics. With his sights set
firmly on representing his country in 2012, Conner is already in
the midst of an intense and focussed training programme to
ensure that he is on track to be picked for ‘Team GB’. It is
with the huge expense of his training in mind that The
Embankment, Bedford, decided to offer Conner a helping hand.
With the Olympics due to begin
in just over two years time, 25p from every Caesar salad sold at
The Embankment will now go directly to Conner’s cause. In
addition, there are also now charity envelopes on all of the
tables at The Embankment for guests to make their own
contributions if they want to. These funds will be rounded up
each month and presented to the future Olympian’s mentor, Lance
Haggith, who will ensure that the money is spent where it is
most needed; on vital expenses such as coaching, travel and
equipment.
“We make regular charitable
contributions, often to local educational causes, via our Caesar
salad sales, however Conner’s Olympian goal particularly
appealed as many of us have sport in our hearts here in
Bedford,” explains Andrew Coath, owner of The Embankment. “There
are a number of young local heroes who are currently working day
and night to follow their dream of competing in the 2012
Olympics. Conner is a particularly gifted athlete but at the age
of 17 he is also trying to finish his studies, and with intense
training on top there is an awful lot to pay for. We are in a
very special position to be able to make a real contribution to
Conner’s cause and both our team and guests will be supporting
him all the way.”
Comments Lance Haggith, Conner’s
coach and mentor: “Conner is a truly gifted basketball player
and, now that he has been selected for Great Britain, training
sessions are no longer just around the corner. If he has to go
away for a training weekend in Sheffield or Nottingham, or if he
is representing England in Europe, he is expected to contribute
towards the cost which can be hundreds of pounds. It is here
that the money raised by The Embankment will be put to good use
and will make all the difference.”
In addition to the contributions
from the sales of Caesar salads and the charity envelopes, the
team at The Embankment is also planning a number of fun fund
raisers to boost the coffers for Conner over the coming months.
A ‘shoot a basket challenge’ where guests will get the
opportunity to shoot some hoops with tips from Lance, is already
in the diary for the 21st March, with other events in the
pipeline.
The Embankment opened its doors
to the public just last Spring and has already made a big impact
on the town. It has 20 smart bedrooms and is open daily from 8am
for hot fresh food and drink.
For more information about
planned fund raiser events for Conner keep an eye on
www.embankmentbedford.co.uk or pop in and see us to make a
donation. |
