Latest news with #AthleticVentures
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wiltshire athletes join sporting legends in World Championships plea
Danny Talbot has joined calls to bring one of the world's biggest sporting events back to UK (Image: Andy Lyons) Two British athletes are among sporting legends urging the Prime Minister to support a bid to host the World Athletics Championships in London in 2029. Trowbridge's Danny Talbot and Dai Greene, both former World Championship gold medallists, have joined more than 100 sports figures in signing an open letter calling on the Government to back the bid. Advertisement The letter forms part of the London 2029 campaign, led by Athletic Ventures—a partnership between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. Read more: Investigation as 'hay bales set on fire' Other signatories include Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson. Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics and co-founder of Athletic Ventures, said: "It shows that athletes know more than anyone else the value of a major sporting event on home soil and what it means. "We have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. Advertisement "We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us." The proposed Championship would take place at London Stadium, with organisers seeking a single year of public funding in 2028 estimated at £45 million. The bid projects an economic boost of more than £400 million for the UK. The 2029 bid process will begin this summer, and organisers are urging the Government to commit in the coming weeks to strengthen the UK's chances of success. Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures, said: "This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary. Advertisement "London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. "With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. "It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. "The time to act is now." Read more: Next phase of huge 1,000-strong housing development on the way Athletics has seen renewed momentum in the UK, with Great Britain achieving its best Olympic medal tally in four decades at the Paris Games last year. London's Diamond League meeting recently sold out in record time, and Birmingham is set to host next year's European Athletics Championships. Grassroots interest remains high, with a record 1.1 million people applying to take part in next year's London Marathon.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Katarina Johnson-Thompson urging government to back London 2029 World Championships bid
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has called on the Prime Minister to back a bid to bring one of the world's biggest sporting events back to the United Kingdom. The Liverpool star, who won Olympic heptathlon silver in Paris last summer, is among the signatories in a powerful open letter calling on ministers to bring the World Athletics Championships to London in 2029. Advertisement Also joining the list of more than 100 supporters are fellow Liverpool athletes Anyika Onuora and Michael Rimmer, plus the likes of Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Dina Asher-Smith and Daley Thompson — a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures — a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company. READ MORE: Florian Wirtz to Liverpool transfer twist as Bayer Leverkusen rival says 'we are looking into it' READ MORE: Darwin Nunez Liverpool transfer door opens for huge move after Victor Osimhen response -Credit:PA The bid outlines plans for a world-class Championships at the London Stadium, calling for just one year of public funding in 2028, estimated at £45m, and projecting a national economic boost of over £400 million. Advertisement 'I'm delighted that these athletes have put their support behind this letter," said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. "It shows that athletes know more than anyone else the value of a major sporting event on home soil and what it means. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition. 'Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK will have a huge impact on an entire sport. Everything from the massive boost in participation for local athletics clubs, to the opportunity for Liverpool to host teams from across the world as they finalise their preparations in training camps. Advertisement 'We have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the government to stand with us." The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won 10 athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. Advertisement 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.'
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid
The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seizes the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson - a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures - a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Over 100 of Britain's biggest athletes send powerful open letter to Keir Starmer
Mo Farah is one of GB's most iconic Olympians (Image: Getty Images) The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seize the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson — a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures — a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. READ MORE: World Boxing send Imane Khelif apology after announcing sex test rule change READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios issues heartfelt apology as he reveals he WON'T be at Wimbledon 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. (Image: Getty Images) Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. (Image: Getty Images Sport Classic) And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back in 2024. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid
Britain's leading athletes urge government to back London 2029 World Championships bid Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding A member of the crowd stands to clap on the penultimate day of the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the London Stadium (Image: Getty Images for British Athletics collection ) The window to host one of the world's biggest sporting events could slam shut unless the government seizes the opportunity to invest, more than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have warned. In a powerful open letter to the Prime Minister, Olympic champions, global medallists and rising stars have called on the government to back the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium with £45 million of funding. Joining the list of supporters are Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jonathan Edwards, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daley Thompson - a cross-generational group of sporting legends united in their belief that this is a rare opportunity to inspire the nation, foster unity, and create a lasting legacy. The involvement of the athletes lends additional support to the London 2029 campaign, spearheaded by Athletic Ventures - a collaboration between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company. Usain Bolt of Jamaica (Image:) 'This is the moment to deliver something extraordinary,' said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. Article continues below 'London 2029 is not a risk; it's about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships but this is about more than medals. It's a vision for what this country can achieve. 'With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.' The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK. Great Britain won ten athletics medals at last year's Paris Olympics, their best return in four decades. London's Diamond League meeting is established as the biggest in the world, selling out in record time last week, while Birmingham will host next year's European Championships. And to underline the sport's grassroots appeal, a record-breaking 1.1 million people have applied to run in next year's London Marathon. Outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger recently admitted frustration at the lack of major sports events coming to the UK, which had been a legacy ambition of staging the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027, while in football, the UK and Ireland are staging the 2028 men's European Championship. "When it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure," she said. Sport has worked hard to protect its government funding, despite warnings from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that cuts are inevitable for 'unprotected' areas – those outside the NHS, defence and schools. And UK Sport have already secured a record £330m in government and National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes through to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made no secret of his ambition to make his city the world's foremost sporting capital, with a successful 2029 event potentially crucial to his ambition to bring the Olympics back. London held the World Championships for the first time in 2017 and the event is still considered the gold standard, while it was also a huge commercial success with over 700,000 tickets sold. Article continues below 'This is a bid rooted in credibility and ambition,' said Jack Buckner, UK Athletics chief executive and co-founder of Athletic Ventures. 'We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored. 'With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We're ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.'
