London, United Kingdom (July 28, 2014) – IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion and media, announced today that Laura Robson will become an ambassador for SportsAid to support the charity’s work with some of the country’s most promising young female athletes.
The charity’s Patron is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, who last year attended one of its athlete workshops at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Laura Robson will be involved in similar events in order to help young sports women fulfil their potential, the first of which will take place on July 29th, 2014 at Home Nations House near the Clyde Arc in Glasgow.
“Seeing the work that SportsAid does and knowing the impact that sport can have on society, I want to play my part in empowering young women to become the champions of the future,” said Laura Robson. “It’s a privilege for me to be a role model, as an athlete and an Olympian, and it’s important that I do everything I can to help young women to succeed in sports, focus on their strengths, and inspire others to do the same. I feel privileged to work for such a great cause along the Duchess of Cambridge and look forward to a long lasting partnership with such a great organization.’’
In her role as SportsAid’s ambassador, Robson will work directly with SportsAid athletes from a wide range of sports, including tennis and wheelchair tennis, by providing mentoring and support at workshops and other events – previously attended by the likes of Katherine Grainger, Karen Pickering, Keri-Anne Payne, Becky Adlington, Denise Lewis and other greats of British women’s sport. Laura will also help to shine a spotlight on the young athletes’ achievements to get them more recognition before they move up to the senior level.
The charity’s Chief Executive Tim Lawler said, “Laura is someone I know many of our athletes already look up to as a source of inspiration and the personal encouragement and guidance she is offering them will be a welcome and well-timed boost. SportsAid is delighted to be working with her as we know the passion and expertise she brings will make a huge difference.”
Sport England Director of Sport, Phil Smith, said: “This is wonderful news for SportsAid and all the aspiring young athletes we fund them to help. Laura is a great addition to the roster of SportsAid ambassadors and will be able to provide talented young people with valuable insight into what it takes to be a successful professional athlete.”
About SportsAid
· SportsAid is a national charity (#1111612) established in 1976 that helps young British sportsmen and women who aspire to be our next Olympic, Paralympic or world champions. Its patron is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.
· The athletes supported by SportsAid are typically aged 12 to 18 and are among Britain’s brightest hopes for the future.
· SportsAid Awards are funded by the charity’s donors and supporters to recognise young athletes’ achievements and help them meet the high costs of training and competing – which they otherwise have to pay for themselves.
· Working with the governing bodies of around 70 sporting disciplines to identify those with the greatest potential, SportsAid ensures the right people get the right help at the right time.
· For more information visit www.sportsaid.org.uk, follow @TeamSportsAid on Twitter, contact the charity on Facebook, or sign up to receive its monthly newsletter.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 30 countries around the world. IMG’s businesses include Events & Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Performance and IMG Academy, Fashion, Models, Clients, Consulting, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and creative management agency Art + Commerce. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment and media agency. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; world-class partnerships with sponsors, brands and broadcasters; and marquee assets across entertainment, events and fashion.
IMG Tennis FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/IMG-Tennis
IMG Tennis TWITTER: www.twitter.com/IMGTennis
