Member Article

Midlands manufacturer backs young athlete for medal bid

A specialist fastener manufacturer has stepped in to help a young athlete realise her dream of competing for Great Britain in the World Aquathlon Championships this week.

Hague Fasteners – a critical supplier of components for prestigious oil and gas, transport and infrastructure projects - has agreed to become Zoe Hague’s main sponsor for the next two years.

This will allow the 19 year-old lifeguard to travel to Chicago and compete against international rivals in the high-profile event, which involves a 750-metre swim in Monroe Harbour, followed by a 5km run that will end at the landmark Buckingham Fountain.

The company’s funding will cover travel, accommodation, training equipment and entry fees for the next eighteen months.

“We are all big sport fans in the company and, when we heard my cousin had been chosen to represent Team GB in the 17-19 age group, we had no hesitation in becoming her main sponsor,” explained Jon Hague.

“This means she will now be able to concentrate on training and competing in events across the world, hopefully bringing back medals for Great Britain and giving our company a bit of international exposure in the process.”

Zoe Hague added: “This is the first time I’ve qualified to be part of the GB team and it’s a great honour to be representing my country in the 17-19 age group.

“It has only been five years since I entered my first aquathlon so I’ve come a long way in a fairly short space of time. Hopefully, this is just the start and I can do enough to convince the coaches that I have enough potential to compete in future international competitions.”

She went on to add: “I have to say a big thanks to Hague Fasteners, who have agreed to be my main sponsor. This gives me the freedom to concentrate on Chicago and future events safe in the knowledge that I have enough funding to cover my training and competing costs.”

Hague Fasteners is heading for its 45th year in business in good health, after increasing its annual sales by 20% over the last twelve months.

The company is investing heavily in young people and has recently recruited three apprentices to help with its planned expansion in 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .