Birchfield Harriers launch 12 for 12 campaign to send a dozen athletes to the Olympics
Jul 15 2009 by Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post
“Also it’s about living – we are trying to make sure their diet and lifestyle are conducive to performing as well as they can and sponsorship would give them the ability to buy the right quality of food and nutrition.”
One of the region’s most historic companies AGA Rangemasters has sponsored Birchfield Harriers for 25 years.
William McGrath, the company’s chief executive, explained why the 12 for 12 initiative was so important for local businesses to get involved with.
“Everybody wants people to root for. If you look at the club there is a new generation of athletes coming through and sometimes that extra support will make a hell of a difference.
“I think it would be of interest to those businesses that have a lot of Midland connections and strong community connections like ourselves.
“The company and the people that work for the company will be proud to support athletes that represent the region and the country.
“I think it’s such a great club in the area – it has been described as Birmingham’s largest youth club.”
Mr Paul said local businesses deciding to sponsor one of the athletes would enjoy a visible association with top-class sporting performers.
“Birchfield Harriers is the biggest-profile club in the country in athletics so there is an association with a health sporting environment. They are associated with performance, individuals and with looking after their community.”
Louise Hazel, one of the 12 athletes, said: “Birchfield are really leading the way and have faced up to their responsibilities to help young talent.
“Birchfield has a long tradition of achieving success at the Olympic Games and we really hope businesses across the Midlands will get behind us. There is no doubt that it is tough in athletics to hold down a full-time or part-time job. As a young athlete, this support will definitely make a difference.”
Paralympic thrower Kieron Murphy added: “This is a brilliant initiative from Birchfield and I’m proud to be one of the 12 athletes. It is really important for me to get recognised. As a disabled thrower we don’t much profile, but I can’t wait to compete in London 2012.
“This additional funding is really important to the athletes and a great step forwards for a club with such a long history of success.”
