By Mike Rowbottom

our greatest_team_rises_23-03-12March 24 - Gary Barlow, Melanie Chisholm and Alfie Boe are among those who will take part in the Our Greatest Team Rises fund-raising event for Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the Royal Albert Hall on May 11.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) have also announced that Davina McCall and John Bishop will present the evening's entertainment, which is sponsored by British Airways, BT and Cadbury and takes place the day after the London 2012 Olympic flame is lit in Greece.

For the 3,000 attending guests, the night will also offer fine dining with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Simon Hulstone, Heston Blumenthal's protégée and winner of the BA Great Britons Food award.

Chisholm, the former Spice Girl, has been named artist chair for "Party to 2012", the official series of events taking place in association with Team GB in the Olympic year.

She has helped to bring together some of Britain's biggest names to support Our Greatest Team and play their part in celebrating what will be a truly spectacular summer.

"This is a really exciting time for all British talent, be they athletes, musicians, comedians or performers," Chisholm said.

"London 2012 represents a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire nation to unite in support of Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

"We can all play our part to help to inspire our athletes to achieve something amazing this summer.

"I am honoured to be supporting this special event, one which will certainly be a memorable milestone in the making of Our Greatest Team for London 2012."

gary barlow_23-03-12
Take That star Barlow (pictured), said: "Our Greatest Team Rises is going to be a spectacular celebration of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes that will be representing our country during London 2012.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be involved with the event as it will play such a crucial role in providing our athletes with the best preparation, from training camps to medical and logistical support for the London 2012 Games.

"This is the moment for the entire nation to rise up and unite in its support for Our Greatest Team."

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA chief executive said: "Our Greatest Team Rises is the first in a series of exciting events taking place throughout 2012 in support of what will be the greatest Team GB and ParalympicsGB squad ever assembled – 900 athletes supported by 60 million passionate fans across the UK."

Craig Hunter, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission said: "Our Greatest Team Rises is a really exciting event, as it is the first time that Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes will come together, so it is fitting that there will be some exciting performances from British artists on the night.

"It promises to be a fantastic evening that really celebrates the best of British talent, both from the world of sport and the world of music."

Tickets for the event, which will play a vital role in helping support British athletes, are available from £445 ($708/€532) to £895 ($1,420/€1,070) plus VAT by clciking here.

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