Member Article

Shakespeare Martineau supports up-and-coming sporting talent

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has joined forces with national charity SportsAid to celebrate the achievements of three local rising stars in the world of sport, in an event held at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

The national law firm has long held ties with the British sporting community, working closely with SportsAid, a charity designed to help young sports people overcome financial challenges they may face in their bid to become Britain’s next generation of Olympians, Paralympians and world champions.

The support provided by Shakespeare Martineau will help towards the training costs, equipment and competition expenses for these talented athletes.

The athletes include Nottingham based, Sophie Woodward, 14, who recently won four gold medals at the National Para Swimming Championships, cyclist Jack Rootkin Gray, 15, who recently took home the gold in the under-16 Alan Rosner Memorial Circuit Races, and gymnast Korben Fellows, 15, who won gold and silver medals at this year’s British Championships, for the pommel and rings events respectively.

Following the presentation of their award cheques, the ‘Spotlight on Sport’ evening focused on the numerous links between success in sport and business. A Q&A was then hosted by CEO of SportsAid, Tim Lawler, who interviewed 2016 Olympic Games GB hockey player and gold medallist, Helen Richardson-Walsh, and Niamh Emerson who won bronze in this year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Heptathlon.

Speaking of her award, Sophie Woodward said: “I have received grants and funding in the past but have never been made to feel this special. The knowledge that Shakespeare Martineau is supporting me and rooting for me has boosted my confidence enormously. It was also really inspiring to listen to the journeys of the other athletes in attendance at this great celebration of sport.”

Duncan James, partner and head of Shakespeare Martineau’s Nottingham office, said: “We have always believed that the worlds of business and sport share a common ethos, where dedication, tenacity and resilience all pay great dividends.

“We are hugely proud of our continued relationship with SportsAid, and our ability to support young athletes such as Sophie, Jack and Korben. The firm looks forward to following their careers closely and we wish all three of them the greatest of success.”

Tim Lawler, CEO of SportsAid, said: “In my experience, the business world understands the values and inspiration of sport. They are two different worlds, but they do have some common ground. For this reason, it makes sense for businesses to align with, and sometimes invest in sport – it can make a huge difference.

“One very compelling area of sport to invest in is to help the next generation of the nation’s sporting heroes – our stars of tomorrow. These young people are pathfinders – they show the way with their achievements, their ambition and their passion – and by helping them to achieve their personal best, they will in turn inspire others. It is a brilliant way for businesses to create a living legacy in sport and society.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Shakespeare Martineau .