BT has demonstrated its long-term commitment to disability sport as it announced its new, four-year title sponsorship of the BT Paralympic World Cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BT Paralympic World Cup is the largest annual international multi-sport competition in elite disability sport, and will take place from the 20th -25th of  May 2009 in Manchester.

BT Group Marketing and Brand Director Suzi Williams said: “After the fantastic success of the Paralympic Games in Beijing we have all been touched by the awesome inspirational power of the Paralympics.

That is why BT is proud to support this event and help raise the profile of disability sport globally. The BT Paralympic World Cup is a wonderful opportunity for the world’s best Paralympic athletes to take part in elite competition as they look towards the London 2012 Paralympic Games.”

ParalympicsGB host the event and their Chief Executive Phil Lane added:  “Since its inception in 2005, the Paralympic World Cup has become an important event in the elite disability sport calendar and I am delighted that a company with BT’s global stature is supporting it."

"Not only does the BT Paralympic World Cup raise the profile of disability sport in Great Britain between the Paralympic Games, it also gives our athletes an opportunity to compete on home soil against the world’s best, which is vital for preparation for the Paralympics.”

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: “The Paralympic World Cup is a fantastic showcase event for our most talented athletes with a disability. As well as being an important competition in its own right it will be a significant part of our athletes' preparation for London 2012, where our Paralympians will look to better their superb performances in Beijing."

He continued, "I applaud BT for its support of the Paralympic World Cup and for shining a spotlight on disability sport with their ambassador programme.”

BT’s four year sponsorship runs up to and includes the 2012 BT Paralympic World Cup.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: “Manchester is excited to see the return of the Paralympic World Cup for the fifth year, as a fundamental part of our major events programme.  We look forward to welcoming all the countries that will be competing this year and are committed to delivering a world-class event, confirming Manchester’s position as the world’s leading sport city.”

In addition, Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius, one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes, is also confirmed as the latest athlete to join the BT Ambassador Programme, which aims to inspire BT’s employees and customers to support and mentor the young British hopefuls aiming to compete in the London 2012 Games and beyond. 

Suzi Williams continued: “We’re also delighted that Oscar Pistorius has become a BT Ambassador. Through his courage and determination, Oscar has redefined the very concept of athletic achievement and he’s an inspiration to people around the world.”

Oscar Pistorius said: “The BT Paralympic World Cup is a special event for me. My aspiration is to qualify for London 2012 in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so the event is a very important stepping stone.”

THE PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP 2008 by MIKE SHAFT

SEE MATT SCOTT'S AWESOME NIKE AD ON YOUTUBE