Bank gives backing to badminton and athletics

FUTURE stars of badminton and athletics in Scotland are set to benefit from a new sponsorship deal with Bank of Scotland.

As part of its partnership with London's 2012 Olympic Games, the bank aims to develop sport at a grassroots level and it will work with bodies such as Badminton Scotland and Scottish Athletics to support young competitors both on the court and in track and field events.

Susan Rice, managing director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, which owns Bank of Scotland, said: "As part of our sponsorship programme for the next year, we are delighted to continue our support for Scottish Athletics and Badminton Scotland.

"We are committed to helping these sports develop young athletes right up to elite performer level, to achieve their dreams of winning medals and trophies at major championships.

"Of course, sport isn't just about the winning; it's also about the taking part. That's why we are also proud that our partnership helps to increase participation amongst young people in Scotland."

In the next 12 months it is estimated that 10,000 young people will take part in badminton programmes associated with the sponsorship. Key features of the sponsorship for the sport include the Bank of Scotland International Championships, Bank of Scotland Play Badminton Carnivals, the National Junior Championships at six age groups and various grassroots initiatives

Anne Smillie, chief executive of Badminton Scotland, said: "Bank of Scotland is a key partner and without its help we couldn't stage our renowned Bank of Scotland Play Badminton Carnivals across the country on the scale we do. More than 3,000 schoolchildren took part in the flagship Carnival at the Kelvin Hall during Championship week alone and we expect to match that figure at this year's championships in November. It's what makes the championships unique as no other tournament combines elite play and a development initiative on such a massive scale. And it's an example of a partnership working at its best."

Susan Egelstaff, Scotland's No 1 badminton singles player and winner of Bank of Scotland International Championships, said:

"Bank of Scotland support, not just for the Championships but for the sport in general, is vital in encouraging more youngsters to take up badminton. If just one player comes through to enjoy the success I am now having in my career it will be worth it."

Kieran Merrilees, Scotland's No 1 men's badminton singles player and twice Bank of Scotland Under-19 champion, added: "It's a terrific way to get children interested in the sport."

In athletics the sponsorship deal covers age-group track and field championships, national and regional Countdown Camps, the Bank of Scotland Development Team at Falkirk Cup and Jogscotland-workplace programmes in Bank of Scotland sites.

Scottish Athletics chairman Frank Dick said: "We are delighted Bank of Scotland is continuing its valued relationship with Scottish Athletics. The broad scope for the sponsorship at once invests in our future by covering age group track and field and Countdown Camps."