Sport and business were celebrated as a perfect match for Leeds as the preparations for this year’s UK Corporate Games kicked off with enthusiasm.
Leeds was chosen in September last year to host the 2024 edition of the Games, recognized as Europe’s most extensive multi-sport festival for the corporate sector. The festivities commenced with an enthusiastic launch event in Leeds’ core, marking a build-up filled with anticipation and unity.
The event saw over a hundred business representatives converge at the Cloth Hall Court on Quebec Street. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, opened the event, emphasizing the integral part sports play within the community of the city.
The attendees were further engaged by remarks from Doug White, the Games director, with broadcasting responsibilities managed by Tanya Arnold. A panel discussion followed, featuring insights from Sam Glenister-Batey (University of Leeds), Lyndon Wood (Myzone), Karen McLaughlin (Insight), and Charis Palmer-Smeaton (Brownlee Foundation).
The Games, which rotate annually among different cities, attract thousands of participants from a diverse array of businesses eager to demonstrate their athletic prowess and seize networking opportunities. Leeds secured the bid to be this year’s host city through a collaborative proposal from Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds.
Scheduled from July 25 to 28, the Games are anticipated to stimulate the local economy with an injection of £2 million and to highlight Leeds’ stature as a center of both sports and business excellence. Competitors from various companies will engage in over 20 sports, including badminton, basketball, tennis, and ten-pin bowling.
Venues for the event include the John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds Dock, and the Brownlee Centre. Triathlete and double Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee was revealed as the Games’ official ambassador in November, with the Brownlee Foundation serving as the charity partner for the event.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education said:
“Anticipation for the UK Corporate Games has been growing steadily in the months since we were confirmed as hosts and, following Tuesday’s launch, I’m sure more and more people will be signing up to take part.
“Leeds is not only a great place to do business, it is also – as shown by recent events such as the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series and the Westfield Health British Transplant Games – a city with a proud tradition of successfully staging major sporting occasions.
“We’re determined to use the expertise we have gained during previous big events to produce a sustainability strategy that will make these the most eco-friendly Games yet. We can’t wait to welcome everyone involved to Leeds for what promises to be a really exciting and memorable few days. Roll on the summer!”
Doug White, director of the UK Corporate Games said:
“We are delighted to have launched the UK Corporate Games 2024 in the heart of Leeds, at the impressive Cloth Hall Court. It was fantastic to welcome over 100 representatives to find out more about the benefits of getting involved in the Games and the economic impact they will bring to the city. We will welcome thousands of participants from over 100 companies to the city and look forward to making it a memorable event.”
Numerous local organizations have already pledged their participation in this year’s Games, among them AMT Auto, Burberry, Luxury Flooring, Pure Retirement, Arla Foods, New Balance Teamsports, John Lewis & Partners, Nexus Leeds, and Hatch.
For further details about the event and its entry process, e-mail leeds@corporategamesuk.com, ring 01733 838444 or visit www.corporategamesuk.com
