Martyn Williams kicks off testimonial year
By admin
Welsh rugby legend Martyn Williams will kick off a testimonial year with a difference in January; and is being backed by some of Wales’ biggest names in sport, arts, entertainment, food, politics and business.
After more than ten years of outstanding service to Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues, Martyn has deservedly been granted a testimonial year, which will run from January to December 2010.
In the past five years, ‘Nugget’, as he is affectionately known, has been recognised as one of the best back-row forwards in the world; highly praised by team mates and opponents alike.
The ‘Spirit of Wales’ Testimonial Year aims not only to celebrate the achievements of Martyn Williams as a Welsh sporting icon, but also to recognise Welsh success in other areas; and make the entire year a celebration of Wales.
An impressive list of names has already accepted invitations to act as ambassadors to the Martyn Williams Spirit of Wales Testimonial 2010. Hollywood actor, Ioan Gruffudd, acclaimed photographer, Rhian ap Gruffyd; chairman of Cardiff Blues and founder of Peters Savoury Products, Peter Thomas; lead vocalist and guitarist of the Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield; celebrity chef, Bryn Williams; The Rt. Hon Kim Howells, MP since 1989; and world-leading golfer, Ian Woosnam, will all be official patrons of the testimonial year.
HRH, Prince William will also contribute to a foreword in Martyn’s testimonial magazine.
Dean Sheehan, Chairman of the Martyn Williams testimonial committee, said this kind of backing for a testimonial year was unprecedented. “To confirm this calibre of support, from such a wide range of disciplines, is testament to the high regard Martyn is held in across the board, he said.
“The Spirit of Wales title was chosen because Martyn epitomises everything that is good about traditional Welsh spirit. A ‘never say die’ attitude when the chips are down, honest and hard working and, despite his celebrated status, a modesty that you cannot help but admire.
“Aside from his celebrated ability and achievements in Welsh rugby, his character is also one fans can relate to. The ‘man in the street’ has an affinity with Martyn, having watched him destroy bigger and, in recent years, younger opponents.
“We’re aiming to create a testimonial year of quality never experienced before; one that will create a new benchmark, with a totally unique calendar of events, fitting to a Welsh rugby legend,” he added.
The first event in the Spirit of Wales Testimonial calendar will be an appropriate kick-off for a man who has twice been part of a Grand Slam winning team – a black tie dinner ahead of the Wales v England clash in the 2010 6 Nations tournament, at Twickenham Stadium.
Guests at the exclusive February 4th event will be treated to a Champagne reception and dinner, entertainment by award winning comedian, Rod Woodward, followed by a Q&A session with Martyn, Warren Gatland and an England rugby great. This will be followed by other high-profile events throughout the testimonial year.
Speaking about the launch event at Twickenham, Chairman Dean Sheehan said: “There is no better atmosphere in which to launch this testimonial year. Alongside Martyn and Wales coach Warren Gatland at the dinner is likely to be Laurence Dillaglio or England coach Martin Johnson. No one else will get as close to the moods in the two camps so close before the game itself”.
The Spirit of Wales Testimonial Year will also raise money for Martyn Williams’ two chosen charities, the NSPCC and Velindre Cancer Centre, of which he is patron following the double personal tragedy of losing both his mother and brother to cancer.
Martyn is admired not only on the pitch, but for his character, personal achievements and successes off it. Well-known for a clean living and wholesome lifestyle, Martyn lives near his childhood home of Pontypridd, with his wife Sam, and has two children, Mia, 6, and Corey,3. He is also training as a financial planner with a Welsh financial advisory firm.
Spirit of Wales Patron, the Rt The Rt. Hon Kim Howells, MP summed up the strength of support for Martyn Williams and his testimonial year. He said: “Because he had grace and class, Martyn never had the need to be flashy, either on the field or off; indeed, the last time I exchanged a ‘Good Morning’ with him, quite a few years ago, he was pushing a pram up the Eiger that is Whiterock Hill in Pontypridd, while my dog was dragging me down it at a rate of knots.
“It occurred to me on that Sunday morning that, in Wales, we want our rugby heroes never to lose that sense of identity with the communities that bred them; no matter how gloriously their reputations may spread across the world. We want them to express on that field of dreams some part of what each of us believes Wales is about.”
• To book your places at the Spirit of Wales launch event in Twickenham, email: info@endgamegroup.com. tel: 02920 663 129
March 14th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
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