21 July 2008

UK Athletics has today announced that McCain have signed a five year sponsorship deal to become Principal Partner of UK Athletics and Title Sponsor of the McCain Young Athletes League and McCain UK Challenge events.

McCain’s £5 million sponsorship over the next five years is a long term commitment to the sport that will have a significant impact on the development of athletic talent in the UK and will increase the opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the sport.

McCain has partnered with UK Athletics to develop Britain’s raw athletic talent through sponsorship of grassroots athletics. As Title Sponsor, McCain’s backing will support young UK athletes as they work to achieve their potential via participation in the McCain Young Athletes League and the McCain UK Challenge events.

Over the next five years, McCain’s sponsorship will also play an integral role in helping to find and nurture the champions of tomorrow by inspiring more people to get more active. In September 2008, Olympic champion and former World record holder Sally Gunnell will launch McCain ‘Track & Field’: a nationwide campaign that will make athletics more accessible to more people.

Sally Gunnell said: “I believe in balancing an active lifestyle with enjoying good food.  As a busy mum with three growing boys, I know all about the pressures that parents face in getting their children to eat healthily and get active and am delighted that McCain has joined forces with UKA to help support them and encourage everyone to get into the sport I love.”

Ed Warner, Chairman of UK Athletics comments, “UK Athletics is delighted to announce this principal partnership, which will have an immediate impact on the development and nurturing of UK grassroots athletics talent.  This is a partner that shares the same vision as UK athletics – that of a healthier Britain.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Gerry Sutcliffe, Home Office Minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says, “I fully support this partnership between McCain and UK Athletics, which I hope will encourage those who would not normally consider athletics to get involved in the sport. I hope it succeeds in finding and nurturing the champions of the future and developing grass roots talent in UK athletics in the run up to the Olympics in 2012."

Nick Vermont, Regional CEO at McCain comments, “Our consumers understand that we make good, simple food. We feel we have a role to play in promoting a healthy balanced lifestyle to our consumers, ensuring that they are leading an active life as well as enjoying good food.”

‘Track & Field’ Roadshows

McCain ‘Track & Field’ Roadshows will visit city centres across the UK, providing a fun taster of athletics whilst sharing information about local athletics clubs and inviting people to their nearest ‘Track & Field’ Day.

‘Track & Field’ Days

Hosted by Sally Gunnell, McCain ‘Track & Field’ days will provide an opportunity for families to be introduced to and take part in different athletics disciplines. McCain ‘Track & Field’ days will be open to all – whether you are a talented runner or if you’ve never won a race in your life, everyone will have a chance to have a go.

‘Track & Field’ Club Sessions

In 2009, McCain will introduce introductory sessions at athletics clubs around the UK where people of all ages will be welcome to visit and find out where their talent lies. McCain ‘Track & Field’ Club Days will provide access to athletics to many families that may not have known what facilities are available.