UK Corporate Games 2024 launches in Leeds!
Europe’s largest multi-sport festival for businesses, officially launched in Leeds last night (Tuesday, February 6), hosted by Tanya Arnold. The Games launch welcomed over 100 business representatives to Cloth Hall Court, to learn about the Games, the benefits it has to offer businesses and the proven positive impact on employees.
Taking place 25-28 July, the event offers over 20 sports to choose from and is open to businesses of all sizes. The weekend includes competitions, celebrations and networking opportunities for competing businesses.
The launch opened with a warm welcome from the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, this was followed by Doug White, Games Director with a brief history of the Games and overview of this year Games.
We are delighted to have launched the UK Corporate Games 2024 in the heart of the city, at the impressive Cloth Hall Court. It was fantastic to welcome over 100 business representatives to find out more about the benefits of getting involved in the Games and the economic impact it will bring to the city. We will welcome thousands of participants from over 100 companies to the city and look forward to making it a memorable event.
Leeds was chosen as this year’s host following a joint bid by Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds.
The Games are expected to deliver a £2m boost for the local economy while also showcasing Leeds’s credentials as both a sporting and business heavyweight.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said:
“Anticipation for the UK Corporate Games has been growing steadily in the months since we were confirmed as hosts and, following Tuesday’s launch, I’m sure more and more people will be signing up to take part.
“Leeds is not only a great place to do business, it is also – as shown by recent events such as the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series and the Westfield Health British Transplant Games – a city with a proud tradition of successfully staging major sporting occasions.
“We’re determined to use the expertise we have gained during previous big events to produce a sustainability strategy that will make these the most eco-friendly Games yet.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone involved to Leeds for what promises to be a really exciting and memorable few days. Roll on the summer!”
A highlight of the evening was the panel discussing why businesses should get involved in the Corporate Games. Consisting of Games Director Doug White, Sam Glenister-Batey (Head of Conferences and Events at the University of Leeds), Lyndon Wood (Business Development Director at fitness tech company Myzone), Karen McLaughlin SVP (Senior Vice President at technology solutions provider Insight) and Charis Palmer-Smeaton (Charity Operations Manager at the Brownlee Foundation).
Alistair Brownlee was announced as the official Games Ambassador in November and is enthusiastic about the Games being hosted in Leeds, encouraging people to get into sport along with promoting the benefits of workplace wellbeing and team building. The Brownlee Foundation is also the charity partner for the 2024 Games in Leeds and can be supported by businesses getting involved.
The UK Corporate Games has already seen several Leeds-based companies commit including AMT Auto, Nexus Leeds, Burberry, Luxury Flooring, Pure Retirement, John Lewis & Partners, Arla Foods, New Balance Teamsports, Hatch and hosts University of Leeds. The Games are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, giving colleagues a chance to bond over friendly and healthy competition.
For further details about the event and its entry process, e-mail [email protected], ring 01733 838444 or visit www.corporategamesuk.com.
