Jon Snow to Host Inaugural Paralympic Ball

“It is an honour to have Jon Snow as our host for this spectacular fundraising event and for him to help us build awareness for the IPC’s Agitos Foundation to increase sport activities for people with impairment so that we can make for a more inclusive society.”

It was announced on Monday (20 August) that journalist and TV presenter Jon Snow will host the inaugural Paralympic Ball, which will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London on 5 September.

The Paralympic Ball will act as a crucial fundraiser for the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Agitos Foundation.

The purpose of the IPC Agitos Foundation is to increase sport activities for people with impairment as a tool for changing lives and contribute to an inclusive society for all.

To build on their commitment to the Paralympic Games, Procter & Gamble UK (P&G) has been announced as the official partner and Cadbury as the official supporter of the black-tie ball.

The star-studded event will feature a superb line-up of entertainment, including live music, a celebrity auction and a very special After Party. Amongst the attendees will be IPC President Sir Philip Craven and BPA President Tim Reddish together with a host of celebrities from the world of sport and showbiz.

Snow, the highly acclaimed TV presenter and journalist will be fronting the coverage of both the Paralympic Games Opening and Closing ceremonies. He has won numerous awards for his news reporting, presenting and journalism over the years and has travelled the world to cover the news -from the fall of the Berlin Wall and the release of Nelson Mandela, to Barack Obama’s inauguration and the earthquake in Haiti.

Snow commented: “I’m very honoured to have been asked to host the Paralympic Ball. As a cycling enthusiast myself, I recently attempted visually impaired tandem cycling at the Velodrome in Manchester. The bikes were difficult enough to master even with the use of my eyes. I hope Paralympic sport is showcased like never before at the London 2012

Paralympic Games and am delighted to be able to support athletes of the future from grassroots participation through to elite level.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive, BPA said: “It is fantastic news that Jon is available to join us and present the Paralympic Ball. As a keen and increasingly passionate follower of Paralympic sport I am confident he will add a tremendous amount to the event. Having been announced as one of the lead presenters of Channel 4’s coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Jon will be close to the action and, as such, offer a fantastically informed viewpoint.”

IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez said: “It is an honour to have Jon Snow as our host for this spectacular fundraising event and for him to help us build awareness for the IPC’s Agitos Foundation to increase sport activities for people with impairment so that we can make for a more inclusive society.”