A signature fundraising event of the British Olympic Association, the British Olympic Ball, Presented by BT, will be held on September 24 in The Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. 

More than 1,100 fans and supporters of Team GB will join luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and sport, including over 50 Olympians, for a gala celebration of Britain’s  Olympic hopefuls.

Funds that are raised through the British Olympic Ball, Presented by BT, and other BOA programmes will help preparations for  London 2012. 

Sir Clive Woodward, British Olympic Ball chairman, said: "As Presenting Partner of the British Olympic Ball, BT is making an important difference for Team GB athletes by helping to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to perform at their very best in London 2012 and beyond. 

"For an athlete, there is no greater honour than representing your country on the international stage, and we appreciate the support of BT in making certain Team GB athletes are fully prepared to make the most of this special opportunity."

The deal expands BT's involvement in British sport.

Besides their deal with London 2012, they are also a headline sponsor of the annual Paralympic World Cup in Manchester and recently signed-up to become the broadcast partner of Channel 4's coverage of the Paralympics.

Suzi Williams, the Director of BT Group Marketing and Brand, said: "This is a really exciting new collaboration for BT, putting us firmly at the heart of the British Olympic Association and of supporting and developing Team GB. 

"Through the funds raised by the event, we look forward to helping the BOA develop the next generation of young Olympians for London 2012."