A bridal party will launch the festival on Monday, July 30 in aid of Special Olympics Connaught, which will see ladies donning their wedding dresses once more to parade one furlong (200 metres) before the first race on the opening day of the festival.
“Lots of ladies enjoy dressing up to attend race meetings, so we thought why not give them another chance to wear the most special dress in their wardrobe. It’s going to be a really enjoyable day if the launch photoshoot is anything to go by! It was a laugh-a-minute with only five brides, so we can just imagine the excitement with many groups of friends participating in wedding attire” said Lydia Rogers of Special Olympics.
For anyone wanting another chance to wear their wedding dress, here’s the perfect opportunity. 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 first past the post in the bridal style stakes will earn a pair of tickets to Ladies Day on the Thursday of the festival. Lots of other luxurious prizes are on offer from AshfordCastle, Pillo Hotel & Spa, Radisson Hotel and Spa, Sligo, Mount Falcon, Breaffy Resort, Zenith Hairdressing and many more.
TV3’s ‘The Apprentice’ star, Susanne Short-Kerins is just one of many ladies endorsing the unique fundraiser. “It sounds like a fabulous event in support of a fantastic organisation and I am delighted to support it and get involved with it”. Following her time on The Apprentice, Susanne, a keen horsewoman herself, married Showjumper Richard Kerins last November.
Though, you needn’t 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!” stressed organiser Lydia Rogers. “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 ladies are encouraged to secure their spot immediately. Register online atwww.specialolympics.ie/galwayraces. Participants are required to pay a €25 deposit upon registration and raise at least €125 sponsorship for Special Olympics. For more details contact Lydia 085-8031445 or[email protected]
