SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Entain Plc has announced the next 50 young UK athletes who will be supported by its continued support of the SportsAid ‘Pitching In’ programme by the Entain Foundation.
Entering year three of its partnership with SportsAid, the Entain Foundation is set to reward 50 of the UK’s most promising athletes, applying their skills and commitment across 24 sporting disciplines.
The young athletes will be supported with an annual award of £1,000 to contribute towards training and competition costs such as travel, accommodation, equipment and kit.
“The past year has been an especially challenging period for young athletes who have had their ability to train and compete severely restricted, so we are pleased that the Entain Foundation’s funding of the programme is providing opportunities for the nation’s brightest sporting talent to realise their full potential,” said Entain Group CEO Jette Nygaard- Andersen.
She added: “We are proud to be supporting the next generation of British sports-people through our ongoing partnership with SportsAid.”
Notable recipients this year include archer Louisa Piper, slider Milly Kellyman, track and field stars Charles Dobson and Joel Clarke-Khan, para table tennis player Craig Allen, swimmer Charlotte Rigg, short-track speed skater Niall Treacy and wheelchair basketball talent Dylan Wade.
Meanwhile, Entain notes that a total of 14 athletes who received support in 2020 have been re-nominated and continue on the programme in 2021.
SportsAid has served as one of Entain’s principal charity partners since the FTSE100 established its corporate foundation in 2018, seeking to support and invest in local community initiatives across all operating markets.
“Our partnership has adapted, evolved and innovated to be as vibrant and inspirational as ever,” remarked Tim Lawler, CEO of SportsAid on Entain’s support. “We’re delighted to be confirming this year’s cohort of athletes to be supported by the Entain Foundation and very proud to be a central pillar of the company’s Pitching In initiative, championing the heroes of community sport across the country.”
