08 December 2008

UK Athletics (UKA) has today announced an extension of its partnership with adidas for the next five years.

The sport’s governing body has signed a deal that will see adidas continue as the official sports apparel provider to the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team, official sponsor of UKA’s Major Events Series and supplier to UK Athletics officials and volunteers.

It means that adidas kit will be worn by the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at next year’s major championships and team events, including the European Indoors in Turin and the World Championships in Berlin.

Niels de Vos, UKA chief executive, said the deal was further illustration of the strong position the sport finds itself in as it builds for the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 and beyond.

He said: “The adidas deal secures another major part of the commercial legacy for the sport beyond 2012, and I am delighted that such an iconic sporting brand is to continue its successful association with UK Athletics.

“With new head coach Charles van Commenee arriving shortly, the appointment of ian Stewart as National Endurance Coach and the formation of an endurance advisory group chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe there is no doubt that the sport is gearing up to meet the challenge of 2012 head on and I am delighted that adidas shares in our belief that athletics will deliver over the coming years.”

Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing, adidas UK & Ireland said:  “adidas is extremely pleased to extend our partnership with UK Athletics.  Not only will athletes competing for Great Britain receive the very best in performance kit but this partnership will also ensure we continue our commitment to encourage sports participation in the UK through 2012 and beyond.”

The 2009 UKA Major Events Series is as follows:

Indoor

Aviva International Match, Glasgow – January 31

Aviva European Trials and UK Championships, Sheffield – February 14&15

Aviva Grand Prix, Birmingham – February 21

Outdoor

Aviva World Trials and UK Championships, Birmingham  – July 10-12

Aviva London Grand Prix, Crystal Palace – July 24&25

Aviva British Grand Prix, Gateshead – August 31