28 June 2010

By Sarah Marl

This year train company First Transpennine Express have chosen to run for charity. Over the year they have raised more than £4000 for Disability Sport Events.

First Transpennine have supported Disability Sport Events (DSE) for many years and have built an ongoing relationship with the division of the English Federation of Disability Sport. Last year, a group of eager employees abseiled down the Manchester Town Hall to show their support, including Managing Director Vernon Barker.

This year they pushed their boundaries when 20 staff signed up for the BUPA Manchester Run in May to run on behalf of DSE. Together they all raised over £4000 through fundraising initiatives like dress down days and even sponsored beard shaves!

First Transpennine Express have proved that corporate partnerships mean more than just financial assistance. They have provided DSE staff with train passes and supplied accessible bus shuttles at events. Their support means DSE can concentrate their efforts on coordinating regional, national and international championships for disabled people in sport.

The Manchester based company will present their cheque donation to DSE at our National Junior Athletics Championships in Blackpool on Saturday at 1pm. The media are invited to attend.

The athletics event will welcome over 350 competitors at Stanley Park on 3-4 July to take part in the biggest national competition of its kind. Disabled athletes aged 12-20 will compete in a full track and field programme- all aiming for gold. 

Nationwide Building Society, Lions Club International and Blackpool Council are supporting the event where young paralympic hopefuls will compete. The athletes are from all Home Countries and use the Blackpool Hilton as a base for the competition.

This event provides athletes with a chance to compete amongst their peers in a full track and field programme. Spectators will have the opportunity to watch up and coming stars. Successful Paralympic athletes, such as Blackpool local girl Shelly Woods have come through the DSE junior programme so all eyes will be on Stanley Park to spot future talent.

Gordon Neale, Director of Events for DSE, said: “Through the support of our many partners, we are able to host a variety of events throughout the year for disabled athletes, whether they are just starting to learn a sport or looking to further their career. Without the dedication of our sponsors and volunteers- our events just wouldn’t happen.”

Other partners assisting the championships are Blackpool Council, Lions Club International, Water Direct and Stanley Park Stadium. It is free for spectators. Further information about DSE and the results from this event is available via www.disabilitysport.org.uk

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Media information:
The media are welcome to attend the event. Please contact:
Sarah Marl, Disability Sport Events
sarah@dse.org.uk
0161 953 2438
Mobile 07764 291671

Notes to editors:

• Disability Sport Events (DSE) organises regional, national and international championships in a variety of sports.
• Swimming and athletics are the highest participation sports for disabled people in this country and Nationwide’s sponsorship enables DSE to build on current success to contribute towards the number of medals won internationally.
• DSE is the events division of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) – the umbrella organisation responsible for co-ordinating sport and physical activity for disabled people in England.
• For more information on Disability Sport Events and the English Federation of Disability Sport visit www.disabilitysport.org.uk or www.efds.co.uk

• Nationwide Building Society is the world’s largest building society and is the UK’s third largest savings and mortgage provider, with around 15 million members.
• Nationwide is the sponsor of the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland national football teams, and also the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
• In November 2005 Nationwide Building Society announced its sponsorship of DSE in a deal worth £1 million over seven years, following five successful years of partnership. 
• Nationwide’s sponsorship will help DSE to encourage participation from regional to international level, to identify talented individuals and to make team selections, which are vital components for a successful Paralympics.
• For more information about Nationwide please visit www.nationwide.co.uk