Energy for sport

SportsAid chief executive Tim Lawler says: “We’re delighted with this new partnership. To have such a huge and vibrant company getting involved for the long-term must be good for British sport." Gaz de France and its subsidiaries have been major supporters of sports organisations and individual athletes for over 15 years, promoting sport at local, national and international levels. The company operates at a grass roots level, right through to partnering with international tennis tournaments and international athletics meetings. “Both SportsAid and Gaz de France believe that, in addition to the financial support which will be made available, the long standing involvement of both organisations in sport will open up a number of exciting opportunities”, explained Raphaele Rabatel, Corporate Communications Director of Gaz de France. SportsAid provides direct assistance to talented young sportsmen and women, with each young athlete being nominated by their own sport as having the potential to progress further. With the assistance of its commercial partners, such as Cofathec and Gaz de France, SportsAid provides a direct cash award to help with costs such as competition fees, equipment, travel and accommodation. SportsAid is the only charity in the UK to provide such direct help to young sportsmen and women. Many of Britain’s top sports people have been helped by SportsAid in this way over the years including Dame Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir Steve Redgrave and Jonathan Edwards. Pictured are Olympic medalists and former SportsAid grant recipients Linford Christie, Darren Campbell & Steve Backley join the Sports Minister Richard Caborn MP in launching the new partnership. In the UK the Gaz de France Group has three subsidiaries: GDF Britain, the exploration and production business, Gaz de France ESS, gas and electricity supply and Cofathec.