The charity has raised €500,000 (£420,000/$660,000) for the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) - even before it became the Agitos Foundation - over the past seven years, and this latest work saw it garner more than €100,000 (£84,000/$130,000) at a gala dinner held in an aircraft hangar at the Gilze-Rijen airbase in the Netherlands.

More than 200 guests each purchased tickets for the event, which was also supported by the Dutch Royal Air Force, to raise funds for the purchase of 108 "Flying Start" wheelchairs from charity Motivation, adding to the 70 already distributed through the Agitos Foundation.

"There are many individuals, in particular youths, whose lives have changed from lack of prospects and despair to self-confidence and increased autonomy thanks to the projects we are able to offer with the help of Charity & Sport," Rita van Driel, chair of the IPC Development Committee, said.

"We aim to reach more people, directly and indirectly, and are confident that through the Agitos Foundation and the support of Charity & Sport we will make it happen.

"I thank Charity & Sport for their continued and loyal support to develop sport and change lives."

The rest of the money donated by Charity & Sport over the past years has been put towards a variety of projects, including grants to IPC member organisations, training camps, youth workshops and technical courses for coaches.

Georg Schlachtenberger (centre), director of the Agitos Foundation, with IPC President Sir Philip Craven (left)

Agitos Foundation director Georg Schlachtenberger explained that Charity & Sport had made a "real difference all over the world, particularly in developing countries, by helping people to achieve their sporting potential".

"We are very pleased to be able to celebrate our first birthday since the official launch of the Agitos Foundation with Rob Visser, Charity & Sport and all the guests in attendance," he said at the event.

"Through their efforts and generosity these 108 racing wheelchairs will give athletes access to a head-start that they might not have had before."

Visser from Charity and Sport added: "We are proud to be able to contribute towards the development of Parasport.

"The venue was stunning and I would like to thank the Dutch Air Force for giving us access to a hangar in which to host the dinner.

"I would also like to thank our donors for their support and we look forward to hosting future events in unique locations so that hopefully they will return for the next instalment."

The Agitos Foundation was officially launched on September 4 last year at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and has so far invested €350,000 (£295,000/$460,000) in development.

The IPC says it will make a further €600,000 (£510,000/$790,000) available in the coming year.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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