LEON HASLAM TO WEAR SPECIAL ARAI AT SILVERSTONE FOR SPARKS

The children’s charity close to BMW World Superbike racer’s heart…

World Superbike racer Leon Haslam is once again supporting children’s charity SPARKS (Sports Aiding medical Research for KidS) and during 2011 is making a contribution to the charity that is directly linked to his racing performance; the BMW factory rider gives SPARKS £10 for every World Championship point he scores in 2011.

On Sunday 31st July, at his home WSBK round at Silverstone, Leon will be wearing a one-off Arai RX-7 GP to promote the charity. The stunning design features a blue base with yellow stars – the colours and theme of SPARKS itself – and wrapping around the lower portion is an infant’s hand reaching out and holding an adult’s finger. A large yellow star on the back has a young eye peering out, watching out for the chasing pack…

Haslam is happy to be involved with the charity, and is very pleased with his one-off Arai: “I first played golf in a SPARKS event in 2003 and it’s a great organisation. The work they do through medical research really has made a difference for thousands of children and families and continues to do so. I scored 376 points in 2010 but I’d rather score what Max Biaggi scored with 451, win the Championship and hand over a bigger cheque to SPARKS! I love the unique paintwork on my Arai RX-7 GP for Silverstone, too. Of course it looks superb, but at the same time underlines the mission of help and support that SPARKS gives to kids beautifully.”

 Recently, combining one of Leon’s passions – golf – with a desire to further aid SPARKS, the Leon Haslam Classic was held at Wellingborough Golf Club, Northants, and raised £8,700 for the charity. More than 120 golfers took part in the celebrity-packed day at the 18th century Harrowden Hall home of Wellingborough Golf Club.

SPARKS

SPARKS has existed since 1960 and has a simple mission; to help all babies be born healthy and stay healthy. The charity contributes to this by funding high quality medical research into childhood diseases and has donated more than £15m since 1991 to tackle a wide range of conditions diagnosed in babies and young children. The charity is supported by many sporting celebrities including England rugby coach Martin Johnson CBE, Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave, golfer and Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie OBE and 1966 England football legend Sir Geoff Hurst MBE. For more information on SPARKS visit www.sparks.org.uk

For further details on the Arai range call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk