Roger Black encourages Nationwide members to use their vote

In the first week of voting, the former double Olympic 400 metres silver medallist Roger Black, M.B.E, is encouraging Nationwide members to use their vote in the Nationwide AGM this year and raise money for Disability Sport Events.

Roger Black, former Olympic 400 metres silver medallist said: "As we approach the 2012 Paralympics in London, it is essential that we encourage participation in disability sports right through from grassroots to elite athletes. I hope that Nationwide's 10p donation for every vote cast in its AGM will prompt members to help DSE continue its good work and help many more young people become champions. So the message to Nationwide members is clear - your vote helps disabled athletes, so please use it."

Over 6.6 million Nationwide members will be receiving their voting packs over the next few days and have until 16 July to cast their vote by post or online.

For the second consecutive year, Nationwide Building Society is aiming to raise £100,000 to help disabled athletes. The Society will donate 10p for every vote cast in its 2007 AGM to disabled athletes via Disability Sport Events (DSE). The Society is targeting a minimum of one million members to use their vote, which would generate the £100,000 for DSE, a huge boost for the UK's disabled sports people.

This initiative is one of a range designed to encourage as many members as possible to vote which also sees Nationwide introduce online voting for the very first time.