Railtrack plc

Special Olympics UK gymnast performs at Waterloo for Railtrack 'Partners in Giving' launch
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date 9 July 1997
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

Special Olympics UK rhythmic gymnast, Katy Austin, aged 18, today performed her medal winning routine on Waterloo Station Concourse to mark the launch of Railtrack's Partners in Giving corporate charity initiative. The initiative is designed to help disabled and disadvantaged people, their friends and family across the UK, through a programme of community projects, sponsorship and donations to six partner charities.

Katy Austin is a member of the City of Birmingham Special Olympics squad and the West Midlands team. She will compete in her first national competition and perform as a member of the national display team at the Special Olympics UK games in Portsmouth this July. As part of its 'Partners In Giving' Initiative, Railtrack has pledged financial and employee participation to Special Olympics UK, which includes the training of volunteer coaches and sponsorship of the Special Olympics World Gymnastics Championships in 1998.

Using a ribbon routine set to music, Katy, who was born with Down's Syndrome, displayed some of her winning techniques to an audience at Waterloo station (which included MP. Kate Hoey, Railtrack chairman, Sir. Robert Horton and representatives and V.I.P's included RADAR, (The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation), The Adapt Trust (Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises Today), Special Olympics UK as well as The Prince's Trust Volunteers, Business in the Community and the National Trust.

RADAR Chairman and Trustee of ADAPT, Trevan Hingston spoke on behalf of all the charities involved. In his address to Sir Robert Horton he thanked Railtrack for their generosity and support:

"The business community can contribute much to society. We are delighted that the Railtrack initiative not only benefits disabled and disadvantaged people but gives employees an opportunity to use their time and skills for a good cause. We need funding to keep our charities going but committed volunteers are our heart and soul. We are very grateful to Railtrack for supporting us through their 'Partners in Giving' initiative and for daring to make a difference to people's everyday lives."

Railhub Archive ::: 1997-07-09 RTK-002