On Saturday 15th March 2014, Shiplake College is hosting a Sports Tour Fundraising Dinner.

The Sports Dinner is returning after its huge success in 2012, with funds raised helping to send Shiplake pupils to destinations across the world. Parents, staff, former pupils (Old Vikings) and friends of the College are warmly invited to attend the event, which will include an exceptional 3-course dinner, guest speakers, a prizedraw, live auction and raffle. We are delighted to announce that a fantastic line-up of special guests from the world of sport will be joining us for the evening: Sarah Winckless: Former British rower Sarah Winckless will be our Guest of Honour for the evening. Sarah won an Olympic bronze medal in the Double Sculls at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Teaming up with the likes of Katherine Grainger and Rebecca Romero, Sarah went on to win World Championship Gold in the Quadruple Scull events in 2005 and 2006. Back in 1997, before her international rowing success, Sarah was tragically diagnosed with Huntingtons disease. The onset of this hereditary condition cannot be prevented, meaning t hat one day Sarah will develop it. Determined not to let the news get to her, Sarah immersed herself in her sport and achieved outstanding success. Having retired in 2009, Sarah is now chair of the BOA Athletes Comission and patron of the Scottish Huntingtons Association. She campaigns to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds to help associated charities. In 2013, Sarah was awarded the Helen Rollason award for Inspiration. It is a privilege that Sarah has agreed to join us for the evening, and we look forward to hearing her remarkable stories. Will Carling OBE: Will is regarded as one of the most successful English Rugby Captains of all time. He amassed 72 caps for his country (59 as captain), leading England to numerous Five Nations Championships and Grand Slams. The outside centre also enjoyed a lengthy club career with Harlequins. After his rugby career ended, Will became a TV pundit on rugby union. He has also worked as a motivational speaker, so will be looking forward to joining us at the Dinner. Mike Teague: Mike enjoyed a successful career with England and the British Lions, predominantly playing at blindside flanker. He represented the Lions on two tours; 1989 and 1993. Mike was named player of the tour on the famous 2-1 victory Down Under in 1989. Teague appeared 27 times for England. His greatest achievement was helping the nation to reach the 1991 World Cup Final on home soil. Mike played in five of Englands six matches including the final, a narrow 12-6 defeat to Australia at Twickenham.

Dean Richards: Dean won 48 England caps and 6 caps for the British Lions on their 1989 and 1993 tours. He also played in 3 World Cups (1987, 1991 and 1995). At club level, Dean made over 300 appearances for Leicester Tigers. Since retiring as a player, Dean has enjoyed a successful coaching career. He led Leicester to 5 successive Premiership titles and won 2 Heineken Cups. Richards moved on to spells at Grenoble and Harlequins before beginning his current role as Director of Rugby at Premiership side Newcastle Falcons in 2012. Peter Winterbottom: Peter had an illustrious career for England, winning 58 caps over a 10 year period. Winterbottom was known for his work rate, durability, hard tackling and courage. After impressing for England, Peter was also selected on two British and Irish Lions tours in 1983 and 1993, both to New Zealand. Martin Corry MBE: Martin represented England on 64 occasions and was part of the winning World Cup team for England in 2003. He captained England for several seasons and captained the British Lions during the first test of their 2005 tour to New Zealand. Martin was also part of the England squad which reached the final of the 2007 World Cup.

We hope you will agree that it is an exceptional line up of sporting excellence, all of whom will have a tale or two to tell. Taking place in the Colleges new indoor marquee in the Sports Hall, the bar is open from 6.30pm. The evening is set to be an excellent occasion with tickets priced at 60.00 per person (including entry into a prize draw). We are expecting tickets to sell out quickly and request your early application to avoid disappointment. Any raffle or auction prize donations would be greatly appreciated. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To discuss this further or apply for tickets, please contact Austin Kersey (sportsdinner@shiplake.org.uk).