SportsAid

ARUP

Arup Support of British Champions

SportsAid is pleased to be working in partnership with Arup, the organisation responsible for the design of the Birds Nest Stadium and the Water Cube in Beijing. Each year from 2008 through to 2012, the partnership will allow 17 athletes from across the country to benefit from invaluable support, helping them achieve their potential.

At the launch event staff were able to meet with many of the athletes, who are the first to receive support, as well as hearing from European and Commonwealth Champion, Iwan Thomas about the importance of not only being given some financial assistance to cover the costs of training and competing, but being recognised as having talent and encouraged to succeed.

Judo ace and Arup athlete, Chloe Jackson, was also in the spot light as guests were treated to a demonstration run by her club coach Bill Taylor from Ford Judo Club in London. She was joined by teammates Kelly Staddon and Richard Jackson. All three are part of the British Junior Cadet Squad and have been supported by SportsAid.

Speaking of the partnership, Philip Dilley, Chair or Arup’s Europe region said, “With venues that we are all familiar with like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube in Beijing, Arup has a tremendous history of involvement with sport and the design of arenas, stadiums, velodromes, aquatics centres and community venues. But last year we decided to look at the options we had as a firm to support and get involved with sport directly in Britain and with the sports men and women who have their sights set on reaching the highest levels. When we met with SportsAid we realised that through working with them we could create a partnership with true mutual benefit."

A network of volunteers has also been put in place across the regional Arup offices that will look to build a relationship with the athletes that they help, staying up to date with their achievement and future competition. This will encourage staff engagement through the partnership and not only allow them to offer further support and encouragement to the athletes but inspire staff who will learn more about the life an elite emerging athlete.

To find out more about Arup please visit www.arup.com.