Down's Syndrome Association

THE DANNY MARDELL KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE

02/06/2006

The Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge

CHARITY 6-A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

IN AID OF

DOWN’S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

On Saturday 10^thJune the Down’s Syndrome Association proudly present the sporting event of the year……The Danny Mardell Knock Out Challenge, a 6-a-side football tournament.

The tournament is being held at one of the famous homes for London Premiership football - West Ham Uniteds’ Upton Park.

The whole event is being kicked off by one of our newest patrons Kevin Kilbane, midfielder for Everton FC/International football player for the Republic of Ireland and proud father of Elsie, who has Down’s syndrome.

The day is to be held in memory of a proud father and loyal supporter of the DSA, Danny Mardell, who sadly passed away last November. The Mardell family including Danny Jnr. who has Down’s syndrome will be showing their support on the touch line throughout the day

Play Football

20 teams of 10 will compete in a knockout tournament throughout the day to win the ultimate prize of the "The Danny Mardell Knock-Out Challenge Cup" presented by Kevin Kilbane. During the day a host of famous supporters will be popping in to cheer the teams on Raychel Harvey-Jones, singer/TV presenter, John Conteh, former World Boxing Champ and many others.

Watch Football

The first England World Cup match will not be missed as players and spectators stop to watch England win on the Stadiums’ big screens.

Post Match Party

The winners cup will be paraded throughout the evening, with Dermont Gallagher, famous Premiership Referee hosting the evening party with a Grand Auction of amazing one-off prizes, as well regaling us with tales of the life in the premiership. The party will be carry-on until late in the evening with dancing and celebration by all.

ENDS

For more information about the Down’s Syndrome Association please contact Xanthe Breen on or at

Notes to editors:

The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome
In a year, the DSA responds to over 29,000 telephone enquiries from 20,000 members, professionals and the general public, they send out more than 25,000 leaflets and fact-sheets and receive around 11 million hits on the website
The DSA has over 100 local affiliated groups throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as offices in South London, Cardiff and Belfast, plus a team of regional staff supporting families and professionals throughout most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The DSA relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to continue operating
The DSA has an annual operating need of approximately £1.9 million