Shorts: Richard Whitehead MBE, INVADES, Strive Sponsorship
London-based agency HOST Talent Group has signed double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE.
A multiple World and Paralympic Champion in the T42 200m, Whitehead also holds world records in both the half and full marathon distances for double amputees. He is set to complete his 100th marathon later this year.
The new partnership will focus on media, brand and advocacy projects. Whitehead’s media credits include the Amazon Prime documentary Dare to Divide, ITV’s Splash!, and Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted. Alongside his athletic and media work, he leads the Richard Whitehead Foundation, supporting disabled individuals through sport.
Richard will be managed by HOST co-Director, Tom Gribby. The agency’s roster also includes the likes of Lulu, Ferne McCann, and former world champion boxer Shannon Courtenay.
Arena Racing Company (ARC) has acquired a 50% equity share in the promotional and experience company, INVADES.
The two organisations have worked together since 2019, developing raceday events promoted to students and young people. INVADES is a sports media and events company that aims to bring new audiences to sports including horse racing, darts, and cricket. Since starting in 2019, it has sold over 450,000 tickets, with its 2024 events bringing over 126,000 people to British racecourses.
The deal also includes INVADES’ temporary employment platform, GIVE ME DOUGH PLEASE, which was launched in 2021 and provides flexible income opportunities to its 6,500 staff.
Dominic Matcham, Founder and Director, INVADES & DOUGH, said, “We firmly believe that the best way to experience horseracing is to be there, on the racecourse.
“Our partnership with ARC, one of the world’s leading racecourse owners and operators, gives us the opportunity to bring more young people into the sport than ever before, with the long-term goal of creating lifelong fans.”
New pickleball venue ClubPickle has appointed sports Strive Sponsorship to support its strategic foundations.
The facility will feature 12 indoor courts alongside a food and drink offering, creating a social space for all ages and abilities.
Strive Sponsorship will help the founders to sharpen the brand’s purpose and vision, and articulate its narrative to players, partners, and investors. ClubPickle is currently awaiting approval on its planning application.
Malph Minns, Managing Director, Strive Sponsorship, said, “Our work is about helping the founders sharpen their purpose and vision, and then help articulate the narrative so that it resonates with players, fans, potential partners, and investors.”
Jack Eatherley, Co-founder, ClubPickle, said, “We’re excited about building something that makes pickleball accessible and fun – a new kind of sports space designed for all ages. With a deep knowledge of the sports commercial landscape, Strive have been a great strategic support at this stage of our journey.”
SVG Europe has renewed its gold sponsorship with video solutions provider Haivision.
The company provides real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, using connected cloud and edge technologies to help organisations engage audiences and support decision-making.
Haivision’s technology has been used for coverage of major international sporting events, including cycling, skiing and marathon races. Recent innovations include the Falkon X2, a compact 5G mobile video transmitter designed for high-quality, low-latency live streaming for sports and live events.
Subscribe to the Sport Industry Daily for regular updates on the biggest stories and latest news in the sport industry.
