Businesses urged to give financial backing to UK 2012 athletes

Small and medium businesses have been urged to give their financial backing to UK athletes for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

‘Our Team 2012’ is a joint venture launched by the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association UK Sport and the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and aims to raise £15 million (US$23 million).

The initiative is encouraging businesses to invest £20,000 (US$30,000) into the development of potential competitors ahead of the Games in two years’ time.

Employees of the firms will then get the chance to meet the athletes, get access to hospitality events and tickets to sporting events across the UK.

Sports and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said: “Sports funding has always come from a mixture of exchequer, lottery and private sources.

“But there is a record amount of exchequer money in the London 2012 process and we’ve already raised the percentage of National Lottery money going towards the sport.

“When it comes to private funding, that is what Our Team 2012 is all about. This is a fantastic opportunity for small or medium sized businesses, who cannot access tier one sponsorship but who want to get involved in these Games.

“With just two years to go until the Games begin, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the UK’s Team 2012 athletes on their home turf.”