Three organisations have recently pledged their support to this year’s Team Coventry ahead of the International Children’s Games (ICG) 2024.
Team Coventry - which consists of 16 young athletes from the city, aged 12-15 - will travel to Leon, Mexico this July to represent Coventry at the ICG.
Athletics and girls’ football are the two sports the Coventry athletes will complete in at this year’s Games.
The ICG, endorsed by the International Olympic Committee, stands as a global sporting event, bringing together young athletes from all corners of the world.
Team Coventry has competed at the ICG since 1997 and Coventry had the honour of hosting the Games in 2005 and more recently in 2022.
Cllr Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “We’re over the moon to welcome three fantastic organisations to support our team already. They each bring something different to our team and will massively help the young athletes on their journey to Mexico.
“Thank you to each of those organisations for their support so far.
“The athletes have already worked so hard at their trials and have a lot of training to attend before the Games. They really do deserve the support they are getting towards this opportunity to perform on the international stage with many other young athletes from around the world.”
This year's sponsors will provide financial and practical support to the team.
On1 Solutions, a HR I.T. products and digital services provider, sponsored Team Coventry’s kit in 2023 and have returned to support the team again this summer.
Managing Director, Sunny Patel, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to sponsor Team Coventry again for the 2024 International Children’s Games. On1 Solutions felt incredible value in our 2023 partnership and wanted to support these young athletes again in helping them achieve their goals.”
Another key partner is Sky Blues in the Community, the charitable arm of Coventry City Football Club, who will lead the girls' football team and supply them with a Coventry City Football Club kit.
David Busst, Head of Community at Sky Blues in the Community, added: “We’re delighted to support Team Coventry and lead on the Girls Football team management. It’s great to see so many different local football clubs represented within the team and we’re proud to be part of the journey!”
One of the newest partners, Keepmoat, has also pledged its support and directed a portion of their social value fund to the team. Keepmoat is a top 10 UK housebuilder who recently completed the Spirit Quarters development in Coventry.
Lainey Noakes, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, West Midlands, said: “We’re excited to pledge our support to Team Coventry’s athletes, and we're also delighted to be able to direct our social value into such a prestigious event. Everyone at Keepmoat wishes them the very best of luck at the Games.”
There are still a variety of ways to support the team and become a partner including everything from kit sponsorship and brand promotion to bespoke digital features and awards night sponsorship with packages starting from just £250.
To follow Team Coventry’s journey to the International Children’s Games, visit the Team Coventry Instagram and Facebook page.
Those interested in supporting Team Coventry are asked to contact sponsor@coventry.gov.uk.