A Speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at SportsAid’s40th Anniversary Dinner

　　Kensington Palace

　　9 June 2016

　　Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is an absolute pleasureto be here with you tonight to celebrate SportsAid’s 40thanniversary.

　　Some of you may know that I love sport. I love cheering on teams and athletes that I ampassionate about. I love the physical challenge sport presents and the mental strength it gives usall. And I love the way it so often brings people together to work as part of a team.

　　I suspect many of you in this room may feel the same. The brilliance of SportsAid is in reallyunderstanding just how much athletic competition gives to our country as a whole. By investing inyoung sporting talent, they ensure that there is a strong pipeline of inspirational heroes.

　　These athletes then serve as motivators to everyone in the UK to get involved, get active, andembrace the power of sport to make us happier and healthier.

　　With little over 50 days to go until the Games begin in Rio, the next Olympiad is almost here. As wedid in London in 2012, we will see a new generation of sporting stars emerge into the spotlight.

　　We cannot wait to meet the next SportsAid champions – the next Chris Hoys and KatherineGraingers who will remind us all of the magic and power of sport.

　　So, thank you all for supporting the incredible work of SportsAid. I am immensely proud to be theirPatron and I can’t wait to cheer on our team competing in Rio.

　　I do hope you enjoy tonight’s very special occasion.

　　Thank you.

（编辑：何莹莹）