Bank of Scotland Extend Sponsoprhip of BADMINTONscotland
11/06/2007 |
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BADMINTONscotland were celebrating on Friday after sealing a major new sponsorship deal with long-term partners Bank of Scotland worth £275,000 over the next three years. This six-figure sponsorship will extend further an enduring partnership which began back in 1999, a term now lasting until 2010.
This continued investment will mean that the BADMINTONscotland led programmes supported by Bank of Scotland including Carnivals, Bonanzas, National Junior Championships and Bank of Scotland International Championships will continue to be developed.
The increased funding will also allow BADMINTONscotland, linking in with other agencies, to create new sustainable development initiatives that will provide more opportunities for young kids to get involved in the sport.
The news is the perfect way to start the week-long World Team Championships at Scotstoun International Sports Arena, Glasgow, with the opening matches just three days away.
BADMINTONscotland Chief Executive Anne Smillie said: “This news couldn’t have come at a better time and I want to place on record my gratitude to Bank of Scotland not only for their support in the build-up to next week’s Championships but their backing over the last eight years.
“From our point of view this is an example of partnership working at its best.”
One of the highlights of next week’s World Team Championships will be the climax of the Bank of Scotland Roadshows – and Smillie quickly recognised the role Bank of Scotland has played in bringing the game to so many Scottish schoolchildren.
She explained: “Since 1999 more than 100,000 schoolchildren have come to our Play Badminton Carnivals, which every year reach a climax at the Bank of Scotland International Championships. This November will be no different except the 2007 Bank of Scotland International Championships will be a bit special. It’s our Centenary Championships.
“Bank of Scotland’s support has enabled BADMINTONscotland to develop our great game at the grass roots – and if just one youngster goes on to become an international player then we will know it has made a difference.
“In fact, one already has. Our women’s doubles star Imogen Bankier was, a few years ago, one of those schoolchildren who benefited from taking part in a Bank of Scotland Carnival. Look where she is now – and that’s down to this Bank of Scotland development programme. But like Oliver Twist, we want more. . .
“In the build-up to the World Team Badminton Championships we have run more Roadshows around the country. The climax comes next week when we will be bringing in 5,000 more schoolchildren on our special Bank of Scotland buses to take part in the Roadshows in the National Badminton Academy at Scotstoun.
“They will work with some of our top junior coaches, meet some of the top players and then get a chance to watch top-class badminton. And none of this would be remotely possible without Bank of Scotland’s support. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done.”
Karen Tighe, Acting Head of Sponsorship, Bank of Scotland, said of the renewed partnership; "We are delighted that our continued sponsorship will provide more opportunities for young people to access the sport and to develop their potential. The new initiatives proposed by BADMINTONscotland are both innovative and sustainable and will make a positive impact on the development of the sport in Scotland."
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