January 2009 Haven Holidays sponsor
Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore
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Press Release: 21st January 2009
Haven Holidays use Catch Sport services to sponsor two British athletes to support their “Fun and Fitness” campaign
Haven Holidays recently signed up to use the services of Catch Sport and today announce the sponsorship of rhythmic gymnasts Keziah Gore and Francesca Jones.
The athletes, who will benefit from significant funding from the holiday company, are set to become the faces of Haven Holiday’s, “Fun and Fitness Pre-Schools Sports Equipment Giveaway” campaign.
The innovative scheme, which is designed to encourage young children to get the exercise habit from an early age by providing much needed equipment for under 5’s at pre-schools, will be launched by a number of free ‘Fun and Fitness’ events around the UK.
Francesca and Keziah will be putting on 4 gymnastic displays in Birmingham (Alexander Stadium 4th February), Cardiff (Welsh Institute of Sport 11th February), London (Alexandra Palace 18th February) and Manchester (Sport City, Manchester Regional Arena 25th February) as a key element of the launch events.
Naomi Woodstock, PR, Charity and Sponsorship Manager for Haven Holidays said “The Fun and Fitness Giveaway is one of the biggest projects Haven has undertaken outside of our holiday parks. With the huge interest in sport generated by the Beijing Olympics and London hosting the 2012 Games, we believe this is the perfect time to encourage youngsters right from an early age. The best way to do that is to make sure they have the right equipment available and Haven are proud to be offering this to participating pre-schools at no cost to them or to parents.
Bringing Francesca and Keziah into our campaign team is key to its success and providing them with financial support means we can make a really positive contribution to sport and the careers of the two girls. We are delighted by Kezi’s recent success with a Silver and a Bronze medal at the Youth Olympics in Sydney.’
Naomi added “We signed up to use the Catch Sport service and they impressed us right from the start – and have continued to provide a first class liaison between us, British Gymnastics and the individual gymnasts.’
Both girls are delighted by the support they are receiving from Haven Holidays. Francesca said, “I am very grateful to Haven for not only providing me with this sponsorship to help fund my training, but also for giving me the opportunity to be involved in the scheme, which will also help to promote my sport to younger children. I look forward to the up and coming launch dates.” Keziah is currently still in Sydney having won team bronze and individual silver for TeamGB at the Youth Olympics. Mum, Jo, speaking on her behalf said, “Our many thanks to Haven. At the beginning of each year I wonder how it will be possible for us to support Kezi in her Gymnastics financially. This is a huge help to us and I'm sure Kezi will benefit from the opportunities that this money will give her this year. There is such a variety of sports on offer for young people and I hope Haven, with the help of these girls, can encourage more to be involved."
Steve Green, Programme Manager, British Gymnastics added, “Haven's support to Francesca and Keziah comes at a critical time to both rhythmic and British Gymnastics. As one of four Olympic gymnastic disciplines represented at the Olympics, it is the only one which is not funded. The programme of high performance we embarked upon in the lead up to London, particularly with Francesca as a residential Academy gymnast training full time at the National Centre (Lilleshall), has meant that the vision to pursue excellence can continue to be followed. Training costs are one challenge, however, in addition there are many hidden costs and yet they are vital in order to support and promote individuals within the world of rhythmic gymnastics. Haven’s sponsorship will contribute towards these costs.
We were just very fortunate that Catch Sport approached British Gymnastics with this exciting opportunity. We are delighted that not only are two of our elite rhythmic gymnasts benefitting with some direct support, but this also presents British Gymnastics with an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the art and beauty of rhythmic gymnastics through Haven's customer base. I hope that all parties concerned will benefit from this partnership and that this is a relationship that will develop over time.”
Catch Sport’s MD was extremely positive about the last contracts organised by the company in 2008 and is clearly looking forward to 2009. He recently said “Another household name on board! It’s great to have Haven Holidays as a client. The contribution they are making to Keziah and Francesca’s ongoing development is significant and I am pleased that Catch Sport has brought them together. We are particularly keen to express our support for Haven Holiday’s campaign to encourage youngsters into sport.”
“Finally a special thanks to British Gymnastics and Haven’s PR company, About Words, who were both crucial in bringing the sponsorship package together.”
ENDS