Fancy donning your wedding dress again but this time not having to walk up the aisle? Or maybe you are not married but would like a chance to step out in white, cream or ivory as a faux wedding belle?
Brides of the bogus and authentic variety are being sought as part of a novel fundraiser to kick start the Galway Races, the famous seven day summer racing festival which begins on the last Monday in July.
A bridal party will launch the festival on July 30 along one furlong of the country’s most popular track.
The fundraiser in aid of Special Olympics Connaught will see women donning wedding dresses to parade 200 metres before the first race on the opening day of the festival.
The regional fundraising co-ordinator of Special Olympics Connaught, Lydia Rogers, says participants will enjoy an “electric” bridal party atmosphere.
“Ladies will get admission to the race meeting, enjoy a champagne reception, be treated to a four course meal, be presented with a race card and have access to a racing tipster, all-the-while enjoying the racing action from a reserved table in the Killanin Stand.
“And there’s more! An exclusive pamper package from Spirit One Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway will be presented to the lady who raises the most funds for Special Olympics and the person first past the post in the bridal style stakes will earn a pair of tickets to Ladies Day on the Thursday of the festival. Additionally, a selection of luxurious spot prizes are being offered to guests.”
TV3’s The Apprentice star, Susanne Short-Kerins - who is married to showjumper Richard Kerins - is endorsing the fun event.
“It sounds like a fabulous event in support of a fantastic organisation and I am delighted to support it and get involved with it.”
Ms Rogers stresses women need not have said “I do” to participate. “Marriage certificates aren’t compulsory so even if you haven’t been up the aisle, you can join in the fun.
“Whether it’s white, cream, ivory, champagne or oyster, a bridal-type dress is required but we won’t be too strict.”
Places are strictly limited and women are encouraged to register online at www.specialolympics.ie/galwayraces as soon as possible. Participants are required to pay €25 on registration and raise at least €125 sponsorship for Special Olympics.
For further information contact Lydia at (085 ) 8031445 or visit www.specialolympics.ie/galwayraces Special Olympics Ireland provides year round sports training and competition for almost 11,000 adults and children with intellectual disabilities. For further information visit www.specialolympics.ie
