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A fundraising dinner with the British and Irish Lions is being held next month to raise money for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get into sport.
The 'Audience with the Lions' charity gala will be held on 15 June at the Royal Jersey Showground, hosted by Jersey Sport.
It will come towards the end of their training camp in Jersey, shortly before they fly directly to Edinburgh for their pre-tour fixture against Japan in Murrayfield.
The evening will involve interviews with the Lions players and coaches, and an auction of merchandise. 25% of the auction’s proceeds will go towards the Lions’ own charitable trust.
While most of the tables will be sold to raise money, there will also be a community ballot launched later this month, allowing 20 members of the public to attend for free.
Pictured: The event will be held at the Royal Jersey Showground.
“The proceeds from the evening will provide an opportunity for young people in Jersey, no matter what their background, to access sport either simply for enjoyment and to become more physically active, or to follow a performance pathway to become a sporting star of the future. We’re asking the island’s business and sporting communities to get involved and help us to inspire the next generation of island sports people at all levels, from grassroots to greatness,” Jersey Sport Chair Phil Austin said.
Assistant Minister for Sport Deputy Hugh Raymond added: “This evening is one of the means by which the Lions’ training camp will not only support our local and visitor economy but also inspire islanders of all ages to become more active. The evening’s primary objective to raise funds but, in spirit of community, a small number of randomly selected islanders will be there to see and hear from some of the world’s most celebrated sportspeople.”
The event won't be the only time the Lions mix with the public - they'll be working with schoolchildren, hosting open training sessions, and Head Coach Warren Gatland (pictured top) previously told Express there may be a possibility of going head-to-head alongside Jersey's own team, the Jersey Reds.
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