Badminton Horse Trials > History > News Archives > 2007 Event News > SIA Official Charity of Badminton

SPINAL INJURIES ASSOCIATION
Official charity of Badminton


L200 Cabs in Front of HouseTHE SPINAL INJURIES ASSOCIATION (SIA) IS DELIGHTED TO have been confirmed as the official charity of this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. SIA will have an exciting fundraising presence throughout the three-day event and will be offering information on its vital work, and in particular its links to the equestrian world.
SIA’s involvement in the event is a further step in a hugely successful relationship between the charity and the equestrian world, which has seen over £3 million raised so far.
Paul Smith, Executive Director of the Spinal Injuries Association, explains why: “SIA was established in 1974 by Baroness Masham of Ilton following her spinal cord injury from a horse riding accident. Since then we have developed excellent links with the equestrian industry, and with exceptional support and backing have organised numerous charity racing days at a number of the major racecourses across the country. We have recently expanded our involvement to include polo, show jumping and eventing.

 

“It is acknowledged that there is a risk of spinal cord injury to those who take part in racing and equestrian sport, and SIA is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 40,000 spinal cord injured people and their families from the time of their injury and throughout the rest of their lives. We are very proud to be associated with Badminton, and hope that the relationship will be educational and informative, as well as raising lots of money.”

 

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Notes to Editors

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The Spinal Injuries Association is a UK charity dedicated to supporting all spinal cord injured people and their families.

Most spinal cord injuries result in paralysis, but with the right support and information, people can still enjoy a full and independent life after injury. SIA gives support, information and advice to make that happen.

More information is available at www.spinal.co.uk

Registered Charity No 1054097

The Spinal Injuries Association is the official charity of the 2008 Flora London Marathon

For more information, or to interview Paul Smith, please contact Paula Whitworth on 07813 683 018 or paula.whitworth@ntlworld.com