SportsAid

GDF Suez

SportsAid, the charity for young sports people and GDF Suez, one of the major players in the European energy market, have embarked on a new partnership to provide support to young British sports men and women. Both GDF Suez and SportsAid see this as the beginning of a long term partnership to help the next generation of British sporting talent receive the support they need to succeed at the highest level.

SportsAid is the only UK charity that helps talented young sportsmen and women so directly, with each being nominated by their own sport as having talent and the potential to progress further. SportsAid then, through partnerships such as this new one with GDF Suez, recognises this talent and provides a direct cash award to help with key costs such as competition fees, travel, accommodation and equipment – costs often being borne by mum and dad. Many of Britain’s top sports people have been helped by SportsAid in this way over the years including Dame Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir Steve Redgrave and Jonathan Edwards.

"We’re delighted with this new partnership. GDF Suez have such a strong heritage in sport that they will be a tremendous new partner for SportsAid. To have such a huge and vibrant company getting involved for the long-term must be good for British sport."

Tim Lawler, SportsAid CEO

GDF Suez has been a major supporter of sports organisations and individual athletes, including Amélie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon Ladies Champion, for over 15 years, promoting sport at local, national and international levels. The company operates at a grass roots level, right through to partnering with international tennis tournaments and international athletics meetings.

"This exciting new agreement marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long standing partnership. SportsAid and GDF Suez share similar values, particularly in seeking to support sports men and women in a very practical way that really makes a difference when they need it most.

Raphaele Rabatel, Corporate Communications Director of GDF Suez

Both SportsAid and GDF Suez believe that, in addition to the financial support which will be made available, the long standing involvement of both organisations in sport will open up a number of exciting opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.gazdefrance.co.uk