Pickering To Speak At Charity Function

One of the UK’s most successful anglers will answer questions about his upcoming world championship matches at a sporting night – and it’s all for charity.

Tom Pickering, from Doncaster, will be at the town’s Civic Theatre for Any Sporting Questions, on Thursday 3 February.

The audience will be able to quiz Tom on his plans for 2011, which include competing in two world championships, at the event.

Tom is one of the north’s most famous match anglers. He served his apprenticeship fishing Yorkshire lakes, rivers and canals, progressing into a top-flight commercial carp match angler.
A former World Champion, he spends most of his fishing time tackling commercial carp waters, alongside being instrumental in Britain’s match fishing team training.

Also confirmed on the panel are Olympic and Commonwealth medal winner Peter Elliott and wheelchair athlete and world number one Louis Speight. More names are set to be announced shortly.
They will be joined by in-demand Professor Ian Maynard, from Sheffield Hallam University, who will talk about his experiences helping world class athletes to cope with the pressure of international competition, and how the right mental attitude is crucial for success.

Professor Maynard supervised World Cup referee Howard Webb’s pre-tournament training, utilising the environment chamber at Sheffield Hallam University.

Sheffield Hallam University is delivering this event in association with BBC Radio Sheffield and Doncaster Council. All proceeds will be donated to the Doncaster Civic Mayor’s charities: Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

John Palmer, director of communications at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Those present can learn what makes these regional athletes proud to call South Yorkshire home, and how their training regimes, unparalleled discipline and mental toughness help them to compete at the highest level. It is the ideal Christmas present for sport fans.”

Tickets cost £7/£5 concessions and are available from the civic theatre box office, or by calling 01302 342349 or visiting http://www.doncastercivic.co.uk<http://www.doncastercivic.co.uk