Mary Peters signing copies of her newly released autobiography
It was a momentous day at W&G Baird, where history met the printing press. Sporting legend Lady Mary Peters, eagerly examined the first copies of her new highly anticipated autobiography, 'Mary Peters, My Story.'
The book, which is set to launch later this month, owes a lot of realisation to the generous sponsorship of Bailie Group, with all proceeds from the book sales directed towards the Mary Peters Sports Trust, Northern Ireland's leading sporting charity.
Mary Peters' story is one of resilience, dedication, and triumph, and through this book, her impact on future generations of athletes will be indelibly etched. Published by Blackstaff Press, the autobiography is poised to be more than just a captivating read; it's a testament to her dedication to empowering the next generation of athletes.
Since winning Gold at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games she has been a stalwart ambassador for sport for the country itself and has received several royal honours in recognition of her services to sport and the community.
Pictured are the directors at W&G Baird, David Hinds, Patrick Moffett alongside Mary Peters and Roy Bailie, CEO of The Bailie Group.
Speaking at the signing of the first copies, Lady Mary Peters said:
"I am absolutely delighted to be here today having a first glimpse of my new book, which has been many years in the planning and writing.
“I am immensely grateful to everyone for their kindness and generosity in getting us to this exciting stage, particularly that of both Roy Bailie of Bailie Group for their incredible print sponsorship and the team at W&G Baird for producing such a wonderful book.
“This book is not just my story; it's a reflection of the extraordinary journey that unfolded after winning Olympic Gold medals. I feel privileged to have represented sport and Northern Ireland on the world stage, and I am deeply thankful to the people of Northern Ireland and beyond for affording me so many wonderful opportunities in my sporting career."
Through the Mary Peters Sports Trust, the sporting icon has dedicated her life to nurturing the dreams and aspirations of young athletes, both disabled and able-bodied, providing them with the support and resources they need to reach for the stars in their respective sporting pursuits. The Trust, under her tutelage, has a storied history of transforming dreams into reality, playing a pivotal role in the development of sports in Northern Ireland.
The autobiography, is not only a journey through the life of a sporting legend; it's a powerful means of giving back to the community and ensuring that the legacy of athletic achievement continues to flourish.
Roy Bailie, chairman of Bailie Group said:
“Today is a very proud day for us as a company and for me as a long-term, personal friend and colleague of Mary Peters, who I had the absolute privilege of working alongside at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where we were both trustees.
“This collaboration with her new book is a source of immense pride for both Bailie Group and W&G Baird. Mary has given so much back to this country with her talent, intelligence, warm, friendly, and gregarious nature and her readiness with a humorous quip to make everyone smile. She is a true Northern Ireland legend.”
Patrick Moffett, Managing Director at W&G Baird who printed the book said:
“Mary's life story is nothing short of captivating, and she has touched countless lives through her remarkable journey. The entire team are delighted to have been involved in this fantastic project, and I am excited for readers to discover, like I have, the incredible journey of this extraordinary athlete and person."
Based in County Antrim, W&G Baird is a renowned name in the world of premium printing solutions, dedicated to delivering uncompromising quality and craftsmanship to clients worldwide. With a 160-year legacy of excellence, W&G Baird prints everything from books, brochures, posters to magazines and high-end materials.
The Bailie Group, County Antrim, is a family-owned group of agencies and consultancies with the collective purpose of investing in people and ideas to make a positive difference. They are empowered to utilise technology and expert knowledge to create solutions which enable customers to maximise their potential through intelligent use of information, content and data.
About Mary Peters Trust:
The Mary Peters Trust is Northern Ireland's premier sporting charity, dedicated to helping young athletes, both disabled and able-bodied, achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions. Through financial support, mentorship, and resources, the trust empowers the next generation of athletes to excel in their chosen sports.
"Mary Peters, My Story" is the highly anticipated autobiography of Mary Peters, a legendary athlete celebrated for her remarkable achievements and dedication to the sporting world. This captivating memoir not only offers a glimpse into the life of a sporting icon but also serves as a means of supporting the Mary Peters Trust and its mission to nurture young athletes' aspirations.
A beloved figure in her adopted home of Northern Ireland, Mary has spent decades promoting and encouraging young sportspeople. From establishing Northern Ireland’s first high-standard synthetic athletic track, to founding the Mary Peters Sports Trust.
With over 30 photographs set alongside commentary and insights into contemporary events, the book is the definitive account of a truly remarkable woman.
LADY MARY PETERS was born in Halewood, England, in 1939. At the age of eleven, she moved to Northern Ireland, and it was there that she discovered an aptitude for sports.
Between 1958 and 1974, she represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games, winning two gold medals for the pentathlon, and a gold and a silver medal for the shot-put. In 1972, she won the gold medal for the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics and the same year won the award for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
She has since dedicated her energies to charitable work through the Mary Peters Track and her sports trust, the Mary Peters Trust, which funds talented young sportspeople. In 1973 she was awarded an MBE, and over the years has received a CBE, a DBE and a CH for her services to sport and the community in Northern Ireland.
In 2009 she was named the Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Belfast, and she is also a Freeman of the Cities of Lisburn and Belfast. In 2017, she was made a Dame of the Order of Saint John (DStJ), and in 2019 was appointed as a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter (LG).