National Lottery Backs British Athletics
British Athletics has announced that The National Lottery will act as Event Partner for the newly named Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in July, to celebrate and showcase their support of British athletes at London 2012 on the anniversary of the Games.
The news is the second announcement is as many days for British Athletics, who confirmed Sainsbury’s as the new title sponsor of the Games – taking place at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 26th to 28th July.
The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games will see some of the world’s best athletes in action as Olympic and Paralympic champions compete in the two-day IAAF Diamond League and a one-day IPC International Challenge.
The National Lottery has supported the UK Sport World Class Performance Programme for more than 15 years, giving athletes access to the best coaches, facilities and support services in the world as they prepare for major championships.
As well as British Athletics benefiting from a record level of National Lottery funding delivered through UK Sport, both parties are working in partnership to ensure that British athletes maximise the support of the lottery-playing public in Rio 2016 and London 2017.
All five British Olympic and 14 of the 16 Paralympic medallists have, so far, been confirmed to compete this summer at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
In the IAAF Diamond League, Jessica Ennis will double up in both the 100m hurdles and long jump, before being joined in Saturday afternoon’s event programme by double Olympic champion Mo Farah, who will run in the 3,000m, and Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford.
On Sunday, Paralympic heroes Jonnie Peacock, Richard Whitehead, Mickey Bushell and Josie Pearson will take on some of the best athletes in the world in a one-day IPC International Challenge, fresh from competing at the IPC World Championships in Lyon.
Olympic heptathlon champion, Jessica Ennis said: ‘I am really looking forward to competing in the London Anniversary Games – I have amazing memories of competing in the Olympic Stadium last year and it will be good to step out on that track again in front of a British crowd. I will never forget the noise the crowd made when I competed last August and know that the draw of the stadium and the great line up of athletes will fill the stands and make it another incredible occasion.’
‘I am training hard and am getting excited about the prospect of getting out there and competing again this summer.’
Paralympic T44 100m champion, Jonnie Peacock added: ‘It’s going to be a fantastic day and it’s great that The National Lottery are going to be part of it given their support for so many athletes like me. I’m really excited, as it’s great to race in front of the British public and make them happy. There’s a huge positive energy in the Stadium and it’s a bonus that it’s a super quick track. It holds great memories for me and it will be great to go back there nearly a year on and see what I’ve got to offer.’
