The Champion Event kicks off the countdown to the UK Corporate Games 2024

Sport and business have been hailed as a winning combination for Leeds as the countdown to this year's UK Corporate Games begins in earnest.

The city was announced in September last year as host for the 2024 edition of the Games – Europe's largest corporate multi-sport festival.

And last night (Tuesday 6 February) preparations began for this summer's celebration of team spirit, perseverance and togetherness in style with a launch party in the heart of Leeds.

More than 100 business representatives gathered at the launch event held at the Cloth Hall Court building on Quebec Street in the city centre.

They were welcomed by the Mayor of Leeds, Councilor Al Garthwaite, whose opening speech highlighted the special role that sport plays in the life of the city.

Guests then heard from Games Director Doug White, while announcer Tanya Arnold took over presenting duties.

Mr White also participated in a panel discussion alongside Sam Glenister-Batty (Chairman of Conferences at the University of Leeds), Lyndon Wood (Business Development Director at fitness technology company Myzone), Karen McLaughlin (Senior Vice President at Technology Solutions Insight) and Charice Palmer-Smeaton (Director of Philanthropic Operations at the Brownlee Foundation).

The Games are held in a different city each year, where thousands of competitors from a wide range of companies come together to test their athletic abilities and enjoy a wide range of networking opportunities.

Leeds was chosen to host this year following a joint bid from Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds.

The Games, which will be held from July 25-28, are expected to provide a £2 million boost to the local economy while also showcasing Leeds' credentials as a sporting and commercial heavyweight club.

Participants from large and small companies will be able to compete in more than 20 sports, from badminton and basketball to tennis and ten-pin bowling.

The list of venues, meanwhile, includes the John Charles Sports Centre, Leeds Dock and the Brownlee Centre.

Double Olympic gold medal-winning triathlete Alastair Brownlee was announced in November as an official ambassador for the Games, with the Brownlee Foundation acting as the event's charity partner.

Councilor Jonathan Prior, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said:

“Anticipation for the UK Corporate Games has been building steadily in the months since we were confirmed as hosts, and following the launch on Tuesday, I'm sure more and more people will sign up to take part.

“Not only is Leeds a great place to do business, it is also – as evidenced 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 events.

“We are determined to use the experience we have gained during previous major events to produce a sustainability strategy that will make these the most environmentally friendly Games to date.

“We can't wait to welcome all involved to Leeds for what promises to be a truly exciting and unforgettable few days. Roll on summer!

Doug White, UK Corporate Gaming Director, said:

“We are delighted to be launching the 2024 British Corporate Games in the heart of Leeds, at the stunning Cloth Hall Court.

“It was great to welcome over 100 representatives to learn more about the benefits of participating in the Games and the economic impact it will bring to the city.

“We will welcome thousands of participants from over 100 businesses to the city and look forward to making this an unforgettable event.”

A string of local organizations are already committed to this year's games, including AMT Auto, Burberry, Luxury Flooring, Pure Retirement, Arla Foods, New Balance Teamsports, John Lewis & Partners, Nexus Leeds and Hatch.

For more details about the event and the entry process, email [email protected], call 01733 838444 or visit www.corporategamesuk.com.

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