Olympics legend lends support to Corporate Games

Business teams taking part in this summer’s UK Corporate Games can get a boost from double Olympics gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes after her charity signed up to support the event.

The deal will see world-class athletes from the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s GiveBack programme provide high-impact coaching to competitors in the Games, which take place in Nottingham, between 6-9 July.

The Trust is a national charity supporting young people facing disadvantage, through mentoring programmes led by world-class athletes. It deploys athletes on to a diverse range of personal development programmes and community projects to inspire young people across the UK.

As part of its support of the Games, businesses taking part can access a range of coaching packages from the Trust, from pre-event fitness training right the way up to having one of its athletes compete on their team.

Prices start from £750 and the Trust will use the proceeds to fund further projects for young people facing disadvantage across the UK.

Dame Kelly said: “Every year, hundreds of world-class athletes reach a position where they need to consider their lives beyond sport.

“We know that athletes who receive high quality support at this stage in their life will deliver a lasting impact across a range of societal and economic outcomes.

“Our GiveBack Team of athletes offers a wealth of knowledge, experience, inspiration and enthusiasm, and they want to support teams competing in the Corporate Games to success.”

The Games will see thousands of competitors from hundreds of employers across the UK to take part in a range of sports, from football and rugby to swimming, cycling and tennis.

They aim to promote corporate and individual wellbeing through sport, competition, fun and fitness. Competition is open to all, with local businesses, national and multinational companies, retailers, government agencies, partnerships and sports clubs all eligible to enter.

Teams can include employees, colleagues, clients, family and friends and there is no limit on age or ability. Individual and team medals are on offer to the winners in each sport, who will also get the chance to represent their organisation at the World Corporate Games, in Texas, in November.

Games director Ben Sedgemore said: “We are delighted to be working with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust for this year’s Games and would encourage all those competing to support this initiative.

“Not only will businesses taking part be able to access elite-level coaching and mentoring to give them a competitive edge, but they will also be supporting, financially, the vital work the Trust does in disadvantaged communities across the UK.”