MEC:Sponsorship, part of global communications specialist Mediaedge:cia (MEC), and its client Norwich Union have been shortlisted for the
prestigious Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Excellence Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category.

Norwich Union’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ campaign, launched in spring 2003 and extending through 2004 and beyond, is aimed at looking after the future health of the nation by tackling the problems of obesity through the
promotion of a more active lifestyle, using its existing athletics sponsorship as the key platform.

Colin Farrington, IPR director general and secretary to the judges said:

‘These awards are about raising industry standards and sharing best practice. The quality of entries is once again very impressive, reflecting a vibrant and innovative industry. Reaching the final shortlist is a real achievement and MEC:Sponsorship and Norwich Union are to be congratulated.’

Jeremy Clark, managing director of MEC:Sponsorship, adds: ‘It is a great honour for us to be shortlisted for another prestigious award and is
testament to the work put in by the whole team. We are looking to take Norwich Union’s athletics sponsorship to another level and make it more relevant to a wider audience. Do the Right Thing started that process and is set to evolve over the coming years to tackle the fastest-growing problem in the UK – obesity. Already in 2003, participation in Norwich Union’s grassroots athletics schemes has doubled and this trend is set to continue.’

The Excellence Awards recognise and reward best practice in public relations throughout the country, and acknowledge personal and team achievement at the highest professional level. The judging procedures are
rigorous and test the impact of the practice of public relations on society as a whole.

This year the IPR received over 500 entries for the 19 award categories, the highest number to date and an increase of 50% on last year. All the shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by their category judges in May/June at the IPR headquarters in London. As well as public relations professionals, the judging panel includes: Sir Gavyn Arthur QC; Sue Adkins, head of cause related marketing, Business in the Community; Ben Summerskill, Stonewall.

The winners will be announced at the Excellence Awards Presentation Dinner at the London Hilton on Monday 5 July. The host of the evening is Janet Street Porter.

Further information, call

Stuart Wareman – (020 7803 2306) –
stuart.wareman@mecsponsorship.com