Claire Williams launches Frank Williams Academy funding initiative

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Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has launched a funding initiative to establish the Frank Williams Academy that will help support those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Claire Williams is spearheading an appeal to raise £1.5m to launch and establish the Academy during its early years.

The FWA will not only support those whose lives have been significantly impacted by spinal cord injuries – just like the legendary F1 team owner – the Academy will also help educate and train those healthcare professionals to ensure safe, appropriate care is provided.

The Academy is being pioneered by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) which supported Frank Williams following his life-changing car accident in 1986 and which has been the official charity partner of the Williams F1 team.

As a vice president of the SIA since 2016, Claire Williams formed the Academy to honour her father's outstanding legacy and achievements while providing life-changing care for victims of spinal cord injuries.

"My father lived the most extraordinary life, not least as one of the most successful Team Principals in the history of the sport and doing so from a wheelchair as a tetraplegic for the greater part of it," said Claire Williams.

Read also: The memories of Frank Williams live on

"His tenacity in the face of this adversity was just one of the many things that made him such an inspiration to many while he was alive.

"Following his death, I wanted to do something to continue that legacy, and the Frank Williams Academy couldn't be a more fitting tribute.

"The work that the Academy will do will provide potentially life changing care for spinal cord injured people, just as the SIA did for my dad. With that support, the bounds of possibility are endless."

The FWA was formally launched at an event in London’s Hoare Memorial Hall by Claire Williams, SIA patron The Princess Royal and SIA CEO Nik Hartley, with current Williams team principal, James Vowles, and board members Matthew Savage and James Matthews also present at the event.

At next week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, both Williams Racing's cars of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant will feature the Frank Williams Academy logo.

"We’re delighted to support the launch of the Frank Williams Academy," commented Williams Racing chairman Matthew Savage.

"To honour Sir Frank's life by providing fundamental education, care and support to change the lives of people affected by spinal cord injuries is truly special. Everyone at Williams Racing is looking forward to helping the Academy flourish."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.