BBC SPORT | SPORT RELIEF | Stars gather for Sport Relief launch

Britain's sporting heroes turned out in London on Tuesday for the official launch of Sport Relief, a joint fund-raising campaign between BBC Sport and Comic Relief.

As part of the initiative, hundreds of events will take place across the country to raise money for children and young people in the UK and abroad.

Soccer legend Gary Lineker, rugby ace Martin Offiah and TV presenters Steve Rider and Nick Hancock were among the famous names to attend the launch.

This is the first time we've done this but who knows where it may lead

Gary Lineker

England football captain David Beckham, cricketer Mike Atherton, tennis ace Tim Henman and rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave have also lent their support to the initiative.

Five times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve said: "As soon as I heard about Sport Relief, I thought this is a chance to unify sport to do something for the greater good and to help level the playing field."

The campaign will culminate in a major television night on BBC1 on Saturday, 13 July, which will be hosted by Lineker along with Ulrika Jonsson, Jamie Theakston and sports presenter Clare Balding.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the sporting world to come together and do what they can to help those in need," said Lineker.

Sir Steven Redgrave
Sir Steve Redgrave has given his backing
"I do not think sport has ever got together quite like this and I do hope as well as the fundraising that we can encourage more and more people, especially youngsters, to get involved in sporting activities.

"This is the first time we've done this but who knows where it may lead."

One of the major ideas before then is the "pay to play" scheme where professional sportsmen and women are encouraged to pay to take part in their own sport.

Both rugby codes as well as the Football League and the Professional Footballers Association have also backed the initiative.

Half of all the money raised will go towards supporting initiatives in the UK while the rest will be distributed for vulnerable children in some of the world's poorest countries.

There will be an array of events available to the public over the coming months, including school fund-raisers and charity events at some of the major sporting tournaments.

Sport Relief is unique and I hope it will also serve to dispel some of the misconceptions that all sports men and women are wealthy

Nick Hancock

There will also be competitions, quizzes and programmes on BBC television, BBC Online and Radio 5 Live.

Among the treats will be a return of sports show Superstars where Sir Steve will lay down the gauntlet to eight sportsmen and women to find the country's best all-round athlete.

Fund-raising packs are available by ringing 09068 101010 or log on to www.sportrelief.com


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