GENEROUS businesses and organisations in the county are being urged to back rising stars at a Wiltshire Council sports dinner.

After the success of the inaugural Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner which raised £30,000 for budding athletes last year, the scheme is going ahead for the second year running.

The continued event is aimed at giving financial support to elite athletes in boosting their career journeys in Olympic sports.

Wiltshire Council, in conjunction with Wessex Chambers of Commerce, is looking for businesses to support the initiative by building relationships with local athletes and taking advantage of publicity.

Money raised will be used to fund a special foundation in Wiltshire which builds on the annual Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Grant, helping aid successful applicants’ access to training, transport, equipment and competition costs.

The leader of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott said: “We are hugely committed to supporting our future sporting stars and extremely proud to do so.

“Their success puts Wiltshire on the international map so we will continue to do what we can to give them the best opportunities possible.

“Businesses came out in force in March to back the first gala event and I am sure we can do even better this time and raise much more money to help support the next generation of our sports stars.”

Fourteen Wiltshire athletes, including Salisbury’s orienteers Emily Benham and Lucy Butt, profited from funding in last March’s awards.

Prizes throughout the evening will be auctioned off at County Hall, Trowbridge on Thursday, March 26.

Companies interested in supporting the gala and sponsoring athletes, call 01225 713573 or email events@wiltshire.gov.uk.

More information can also be found at www.fundingfutureolympians.org.uk.