Member Article

Businesses keep Commonwealth athlete in the swim with support

Six proud businesses have rallied to get behind a Teesside swimmer as she bids for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow.

As a big medal favourite across four events in Scotland, 21-year-old Aimee Willmott’s swimming career looks set to reach new heights after the Games, which start on July 24.

Six local firms will keep Aimee in the swim after the Games by providing professional guidance free of charge.

Those diving in with their support are Active Chartered Financial Planners, chartered accountants Anderson Barrowcliff, solicitors The Endeavour Partnership, software development specialists Sapere, sports injury specialists KT Tape UK and the Middlesbrough branch of Handelsbanken.

The group was brought together by Active managing director Karl Pemberton, who was keen to show Middlesbrough swimmer Aimee that Teesside will remain firmly behind her throughout the Commonwealth Games and beyond.

“As a truly top athlete in her field, Aimee is a great ambassador for Teesside and the North-East,” said Karl.

“She is already targeting the 2016 Olympics in Brazil after the Commonwealth Games, so her career opportunities are likely to increase still further.

“Despite the fact that she is moving to London after the Games, Aimee was determined that work stayed here in her hometown.

“Equally, this is our way of showing her that Teesside will be supporting her, no matter where in the world she might be in future. As her career develops, she will receive professional advice from leading Teesside firms, which can only be great news for the area and for Aimee.”

Aimee, who is moving to London with coach Lisa Bates, said: “This is such a massive boost for me ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The support of these local businesses means I can focus on my training in the pool instead of having to worry about other issues.

“It means so much to know that Teesside is right behind me in this way. I’ve had such amazing support from people and would love to bring them back a medal or two from Glasgow.

“I’m a Teessider through-and-through and will remain that way even when I move to London to continue my career development.”

Aimee, who narrowly missed out on a place in the 400m Individual Medley final at both the 2012 Olympics and the World Championships, will compete in four different events in Glasgow – the 400IM, 200IM, 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle.

The opening day of the Commonwealth Games – July 24 - could see her going head-to-head with Scottish favourite Hannah Miley in the 400IM, one of the first finals of the Games.

The final takes place at 7.07pm, with the 200IM final scheduled for 8.09pm on July 27, the 200 fly at 8.32pm on July 28 and the 400fc final at 7.07pm on July 29.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .