Sector Focus


Sport The Business of Sport Baggies star a good sport


West Bromwich Albion star Chris Brunt has been recognised for his work within the local community during the past decade. Northern Ireland international Brunt has been named


Golf day: Stilyan and Paulina Petrov with their sons, Stiliyan Jr and Krystian


Charity golf day makes a return


Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is to host his second annual charity golf day at The Belfry. The Bulgarian midfielder set


up the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation in 2013 following his battle with leukaemia and has held a series of fundraising events, including last year’s inaugural golf day. The golf day is set to return


on 7 May, with former Villa manager Martin O’Neill, and Petrov’s ex-Celtic team-mates Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson among the team captains. Petrov’s old Villa colleagues


Wilfred Bouma, Gareth Barry, James Milner and James Collins are also taking part. The golf tournament, on the


famous Brabazon course, will then be followed by a three- course meal along with live entertainment. The Stiliyan Petrov


Foundation – set up by the footballer and his wife Paulina - aims to revolutionise the way leukaemia and cancer are treated by supporting families and children through the toughest times of their lives. As well as providing support, the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation also seeks to develop a safer, more practical and effective process for treatment, relapses and prevention of these illnesses. Marc Brooks, the head of


golf sales and membership at The Belfry, said: “We are honoured to once again be hosting The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation Golf Day. “Last year’s event was a


great success and we’re delighted to be part of such a great cause for a second year.”


56 CHAMBERLINK May 2017


‘a fantastic ambassador’ by the Albion Foundation, at a special event to celebrate the organisation’s 25th anniversary. The Albion Foundation is a registered charity


working in partnership with the Hawthorns-based football club. The foundation provides sporting and educational opportunities to the most disadvantaged members of the local community. It focuses on three key areas – education and engagement, sport development and disability sport.


‘Since joining the club in 2007, there are a number of initiatives I have been involved in’


At the anniversary event, Chris Brunt was recognised


for ‘Outstanding Player Contribution’, and others were also praised for their contribution, including ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley, who was given freedom of the Hawthorns for his incredible fundraising work for the foundation. In addition, Paul Hunt was instrumental in setting up


the charity’s disability department and received special recognition for his work within the community for people with disabilities. Chris Brunt said: “The Albion Foundation consists of


such a great group of individuals all striving for the same goal – inspiring others to achieve. Since joining the club in 2007, there are a number of initiatives I have been involved in – I try to get involved at every opportunity.” The evening also saw the launch of ‘Albion Cares’,


which is a bid to help disabled people find employment.


On the ball: ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley with Chris Brunt


Rob Lake, foundation director, said: “We have 100 unemployed adults who play for our disability football teams who we were aware had little to do off the pitch but have so much to offer in the workplace. “We want local businesses to get on board with the


project and give these people an opportunity. It’s not about what they can’t do, but what they can do.” Train firm London Midland has joined forces with the


foundation. London Midland’s commercial director Richard Brooks said: “When we were approached by the Albion foundation it was their guiding principles that sparked our interest. This is further evidence of London Midland’s commitment to getting closer to the communities we serve.”


Event raises more than laughs


Burton Albion FC has raised £15,000 after a sell-out charity event at its Pirelli Stadium ground, which featured veteran comedians Jim Davidson and Bobby Davro. The event raised money for Care


After Combat, a UK charity offering professional assistance for the well- being of former Armed Forces personnel and their families. More than 300 guests attended


the event, including local MP Andrew Griffiths, who said: “It was fantastic to see so many Burton people turn out to support this charity and our veterans in the armed forces." Burton Albion chairman Ben


Robinson, who organised the event said: “It was a brilliant evening with great food and entertainment, and I want to thank Jim and Bobby for coming up from London to perform for free for us – they were


Fun evening (from left): Andrew Griffiths, Jim Davidson, Ben Robinson, Bobby Davro and Fleur Robinson (commercial director of Burton Albion)


fantastic.” Jim Davidson said: "I offer my


special thanks to Burton Albion chairman, Ben Robinson, who organised the event and to the people of Burton who gave their support in attending and generously supporting the fund-


raising, and to Dave Bryon for hosting the event. "It is through this kind of fund-


raising support for Care After Combat which enables the service personnel to rebuild their lives and to bring them back along the path into normal civilian life."


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64