The dream of an Olympic medal could be fulfilled thanks to a new sponsorship website which was launched on May 12.

The launch, which was held at the Maidstone Gateway, saw a host of athletes and businesses come together to unveil maidstonesdream.co.uk

Cllr Brian Moss, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, who has initiated the site, said: "Every business in Maidstone can be involved. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money but every business in Maidstone can contribute something."

At the launch promising 400m hurdler Ed Harrison spoke about his dream of winning a medal and what it would mean to be sponsored, as well as the chairman of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Dan Ghinn, speaking about how businesses can get involved. Cllr Moss also spoke of his pride in the athletes and the site.

He added: "The athletes' whole aim is devoted to sport and achieving, wouldn't it be absolutely magnificent if someone on this website does win a medal? We have some exceptionally good athletes here in Maidstone and already they are national champions and competing in Europe."

A GB flag also featured as part of the launch with the athletes signing their names on it as a memento of where the dream started. Archer Jacqui Gould, was the first to put pen to flag. The big Union Jack flag is now going to be part of the project and when a new person joins the site they will be asked to sign it.

At the launch there was a demonstration of the site and 'people bingo' which was designed to get the athletes and the businesses interacting.

The site is being funded by Maidstone Borough Council to help create a legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games and promote sporting achievements in the borough. On Maidstonesdream.co.uk businesses will be able to search for athletes via their sport or name and the profiles will be similar to a Facebook profile. It will include the athlete's details, how often they train, who their heroes are, how many competitions they have won, why they want to be sponsored and how they got into their specialised sport. They will be able to update the profiles themselves.

A simple form at the foot of each page will be how businesses can start the sponsorship ball rolling and it will then be up to the business and the athlete to negotiate a deal.

To be eligible for the website you must be over 11 years of age; receive written parental permission if you are under the age of 18; currently be a member of a national team or squad; currently be listed in the top 10 of any national age ranking; have finished within the top 10 in any national age group competition in the last 12 months or live, work, go to school or train in the borough of Maidstone.

Any business or athlete wishing to register their interest should contact Karen Jeal on 01622 602759 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it