UK Athletics today unveiled a major new multi-million pound sponsorship package with sports goods manufacturer Reebok that will benefit all levels of the sport – from ‘Fun to Fulfilment’.

In a deal that further confirms the commercial rejuvenation of the sport, Reebok will renew it’s sponsorship of UK Athletics and the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland Athletics Teams for a further four years from 1st January 2001 – with an option to renew for a further extended period.

‘Reebok is delighted to announce it’s long term commitment to the sport through the renewal of its sponsorship with UK Athletics,’ said Reebok Managing Director Dave Singleton. ‘This new deal represents a significant investment and reflects the importance to Reebok of being closely associated with Britain’s most successful major sport.’

Reebok will sponsor the competition kit and apparel for the Great Britain athletics teams at all levels and intends to seek new ways of maximising commercial opportunities after the recent explosion of interest in the sport following the success of British athletes at the Sydney Olympics.

Since Reebok began to provide the official GB team kit in 1997 over 1500 different athletes, coaches and team officials have formed part of the official British team. During that period British athletes have enjoyed considerable success winning a cluster of medals on the Olympic, World and European stage at both senior and junior level.

Reebok will also provide support for three key grass roots development programmes driven by UK Athletics to improve the recruitment of children into the sport. The deal will embrace joint sponsorship with Norwich Union of the hugely successful ‘Sports Hall & Fun In Athletics’ and ‘Startrack’ programmes which involve over 150,000 children nationwide each year.

In addition Reebok will continue to provide title sponsorship of the ‘Reebok Cross Challenge’ which was credited with directly helping to secure victory for the GB men’s team at last winter’s European cross-country Championships.

Reebok will also provide support for the development of the UK Athletics web site, www.ukathletics.org.

Chief Executive of UK Athletics David Moorcroft said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that Reebok will continue its valuable support. It is particularly pleasing that the sponsorship extends to all levels of the sport not only covering the competition kit of the GB team, but also providing vital support to the development programmes at the grass roots. It’s a huge boost for UK Athletics. Reebok is a great brand to have on board and reflects the resurgence of track and field in the UK and its position as Britain’s most successful international sport.’

World Indoor 400m Champion Jamie Baulch and European Indoor 60m Champion Jason Gardener, both former participants of the Sports Hall programme, attended today’s launch. ‘It’s great to see another important sponsor renewing their commitment to athletics at all levels,’ said Baulch. ‘It’s always a proud moment putting on the GB vest. It’s good to know that Reebok place such a high value on being associated with the most treasured part of my wardrobe!’

The deal was negotiated by Fast Track, the commercial arm of UK Athletics. Director of athletics Jon Ridgeon said: ‘This deal is significant, not just financially but because it’s the first major re-negotiation of an original contract that was in place when UK Athletics came into being. As such it indicates the next step in the continued building of a secure commercial platform for the sport.’

For further information contact:

Andy Kay or Nic Watson
Media Dept at Fast Track
Tel: 0207 245 0206
Mobiles: 07710 170494, 07771 868732