The Sarah Groves Foundation has stepped in to help three local dance schools to compete as Team Guernsey in the 2022 Dance World Cup in Spain after the original sponsorship fell through.
The Foundation discovered that the team lacked the funds to pay for their kit, which costs almost £4,500. The uniform is essential for the team as it allows them to represent the island in San Sebastian between 24th June and 2nd July. The Dance World Cup is taking place for the first time since 2018 due to the pandemic.
Kits have been purchased for all 68 competitors who are aged between 7 and 18. They are members of GATE, the Starlight Academy, and the Guernsey Irish Dance Academy. They will compete under the Guernsey flag across various dance styles, including tap, modern, ballet, song and dance, and jazz. The kits proudly feature the Sarah Groves Foundation logo.
Managing Trustee of the Sarah Groves Foundation, Vic Groves, said: “We were so pleased to support the Guernsey Dance Team to help them get to the Dance World Cup to represent the island. Sarah’s mission in life was to enhance young lives, so we are always looking to help our local young people, and this certainly fits the bill.
“Sport was very important to Sarah, so it was a natural fit to support a cause that blends two aspects of her life. We are very proud to see these young competitors with Sarah’s name on their kit, and we will be rooting for them as they go for gold.”
Sponsorship Coordinator of the Guernsey Dance Team, Helen Colmer, said: “We are very grateful to the Sarah Groves Foundation, which has helped us represent our island at the eleventh hour. The team has worked so hard to qualify for the World Cup, and it will be a privilege for our students to perform in Sarah’s memory. We hope to make her proud.
“The Sarah Groves Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing young lives, and we are thankful to be part of Sarah’s mission.”
Main photo credit: Pierre Bisson / gsyphoto.com
