Historic achievements by two North Cardiff sports stars are among 30 historic moments chosen to mark the National Lottery's 30th birthday today (Tuesday 19 November).
Dame Tanni Grey Thompson's inspirational Paralympic World Cup victory in 2005 and Geraint Thomas becoming the first Welsh winner of the Tour de France are included in 30 Game Changing Moments, an exhibition by photographer Thomas Duke – unveiled at The National Portrait Gallery in London and online today.
Both Tanni Grey Thompson and Geraint Thomas attended Birchgrove Primary School, and Geraint went on to Whitchurch High, while Tanni went to St Cyres School in Penarth.
The exhibition highlights some of the most memorable cultural moments of the last three decades made possible with the help of National Lottery funding.
The National Lottery alsdo announced today that it has raised £50 billion for good causes.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million is raised every week for good causes, funding over 700,000 projects across community, heritage, sport, and the arts.
The lottery has also created more than 7,400 millionaires (408 of them in Wales) and has paid out more than £95 billion in prizes since its launch in 1994.
Thomas Duke is known for his project @steppingthroughfilm where famous photographs are rephotographed within the context of their original location. He travelled around the UK to recreate the moments which recognise success in sport, arts and film, preserving natural and built heritage and bringing communities together.
John Rose, chair of the Wales National Lottery Forum and Wales director of the National Lottery Community Fund, said: "The Game Changing Moments showcased in today's 30th birthday exhibition represent the culmination of decades of funding, unwavering commitment, dedicated training, steadfast belief, selfless volunteering and remarkable tenacity.
“The National Lottery's influence on Welsh arts, film, heritage, sport, and communities has been truly transformative. For 30 years, it has empowered individuals and communities alike, enabling thousands of life-changing projects across Wales. As we mark this extraordinary milestone, we remain committed to building upon this proud legacy and fostering even more Game Changing Moments for generations to come."
Since funding began in 1994, UK athletes have won more than 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals. The National Lottery has funded more than 600 films which have won an incredible 551 awards, including 16 Oscars, 128 BAFTAs and 34 Cannes awards.
Popular attractions and notable landmarks across the UK such as the Eden Project, the Giant’s Causeway, the Kelpies, the Angel of the North and The Principality Stadium and Wembley Stadium have all received support from The National Lottery.
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