Partner Article

SMEs given golden Olympic opportunity

A NEW programme has been launched which aims to persuade SMEs to support Olympic and Paralympic sport ahead of London 2012.

With just two years to go until the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the journey is already well under way for over 1200 of Britain’s most talented sports men and women across 47 different sports and disciplines.

However, to reach their full potential and win as many medals as possible for our nation on home soil, they need our support now more than ever. Our Team 2012 will raise funds by creating a unique opportunity for smaller businesses to share in the excitement at the coming of the London Games while providing a catalogue of business benefits.

Described as a ’once in a life time chance to be part of making history’ by Duncan Bannatyne, who has volunteered his time to champion the cause as a Team 2012 Ambassador, the programme provides SMEs with opportunities for staff engagement as they join athletes on their inspiring journey, access to hospitality events at prestigious venues including the House of Lords and tickets to major sporting events across the UK.

SMEs will also enjoy networking opportunities in their own region, seminars, insight and training. At a cost of under £10,000 per annum for the two year programme it is designed to be accessible Attending yesterday’s launch at the headquarters of the British Olympic Association in London, the Minister for Sport and Olympics, Hugh Robertson said: “Sports funding has always come from a mixture of exchequer, lottery and private sources.

“As Government, we have committed substantial exchequer and Lottery funding for our elite athletes in the run up to 2012 - but it has never been more important, given the difficult economic situation we’re in, to have business behind our athletes.

“Supporting the Olympics is not just something the big multinationals can do – it is within the reach of every small and medium business in the UK and I’d encourage as many as possible to get involved. With just two years to go until the Games begin, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the UK’s Team 2012 athletes on their home turf.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .