SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is sponsoring this year’s Leicester Racecourse Veterans’ Day, which raises vital funds for several military charities.
The BGC has lauded the event as another opportunity to give back to the veteran community that has ‘sacrificed so much on behalf of this nation’s safety, security and prosperity’.
Furthermore, the organisation will also be sponsoring the BGC Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Handicap Chase. Last year’s event was also sponsored by the BGC.
Speaking of the event, taking place today (8 March), BGC Chairman, Brigid Simmonds OBE, emphasised: “As a very proud former Captain in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, it gives me enormous pleasure that the Betting and Gaming Council is able to once again sponsor Veterans’ Day at Leicester Racecourse this week, giving us another fantastic opportunity to salute this nation’s special ex-Forces community to salute this nation’s special Veterans Forces community.
“It is the very least we can do for a community that is too often overlooked in our society and yet gave so much for service to our country.”
In further detail, the days see Veterans get invited to enjoy a day of racing as the guest of honour.
The BGC’s sponsorship of Veterans’ Day looks to build on the work it has already done to celebrate veterans and support military charities, with its members having gifted nearly £750,000 to armed forces charities over recent years.
This includes The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, SAS Regimental Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund, after its members either handed profits or made donations following the flagship Britannia Stakes race held at Royal Ascot.
Simmonds added: “Raising money for military charities is in the BGC’s DNA, we have done it from day one, and I’m delighted we can confirm that support will continue next year. It is an honour to back this fantastic event which does so much good for our veteran community.”
“Last year, through sponsorship, media rights and the levy, BGC members contributed around £380m to British horse racing. This is part of a wider economic contribution our members make to UK plc, supporting 110,000 jobs, generating £7.1bn for the economy while raising £4.2bn in taxes.”
