G4S Security Services (UK) is to invest £1m promoting Judo over the next four years in an extension of its partnership with the British Judo Association (BJA).
The arrangement will see the children of G4S’s staff offered subsidised Judo lessons, as well as contributions to their kit, licensing and grading.
It is hoped that the tuition will encourage discipline and self-control, as well as fostering physical fitness and a healthier lifestyle. The launch of the programme comes a week after London Mayor, Boris Johnson promised tens of millions of pounds of London Development Agency money would be spent on coaching young people for long-term sporting success.
Doug Hewitson, Group Managing Director, G4S Security Services (UK), said: “We’re really excited by the potential of this programme. Not only does it give us the opportunity to help British sport, but it’s an ideal way of promoting key values such as discipline, self-control and physical fitness, that our business is based upon. Offering subsidised tuition to the families of our staff is an ideal way of promoting Judo and will no doubt hugely benefit both those taking part and the sport as a whole in this country.”
Densign White, Chairman, British Judo Association, said: “We really look forward to working with G4S over the next four years, and this investment will prove a further boost to the sport in the UK. The profile of the sport continues to grow and initiatives such as this will enhance the sports reputation and ensure future success.”
The security firm adds that it’s part of a wider partnership between G4S plc and the British Judo Association, which itself is part of the FTSE-British Olympic Association Partnership Initiative. This scheme sees companies team up with national governing bodies of Olympic sports.
