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Local businessman donates £100,000 towards community sport

Press release issued: 3 January 2007

Local sport in the community will benefit thanks to a generous £100,000 donation from Bristol businessman John Rutley to the University of Bristol’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health. The money will be used to set up and launch The John Rutley Sport Fund, an initiative to develop a range of sport and activity related projects that will help young people in Bristol.

Local sport in the community will benefit thanks to a generous £100,000 donation from Bristol businessman John Rutley to the University of Bristol’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health. The money will be used to set up and launch The John Rutley Sport Fund, an initiative to develop a range of sport and activity related projects that will help young people in Bristol.

With the lead up to the 2012 Games, the fund will enable a community sports programme encompassing both grass roots participation and elite performance with a focus on supporting “Playground to Podium” projects.

Managed and led by the University’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, many of the projects will be in collaboration with a number of organisations including Bristol City Council, local schools, colleges and youth groups. The programme aims to provide opportunities for social inclusion through sport and physical activity.

John Rutley, Chief Executive of Bristol based A-GAS International, is already closely involved with University sport. He and his company have supported both rugby and rowing programmes through personal donations and corporate sponsorship.  John’s recent donation follows a desire to contribute to the progression and development of the wider local community.

Bob Reeves, Director of Sport, University of Bristol, said: “John has been a great supporter of University sport for several years, and now we are able, through his generosity, to branch out and help in the development of activities and programmes of benefit to young people in the wider community. This will contribute to the promotion of healthy physical activity generally, while creating greater opportunities for talented young people to fulfil their potential.”

John Rutley, said: “I am delighted to be associated with a fund dedicated to creating a portfolio of high profile and accessible sporting and healthy activities for young people in the region. Bristol is home to a growing number of very successful people and businesses who I hope will join me in supporting this exciting new initiative by the University.”

Karen Harvey, Community Sport Development Manager, University of Bristol, said: “Donations and sponsorship from local people and businesses are essential to the development and delivery of community sport and activity programmes. This very generous donation enables our existing Community Sport Development programme to reach its full potential and thanks to John’s support we are able to continue our work with young people across the city to promote participation, achievement and excellence in sports and physical activity.”

 

Further information

The John Rutley Sport Fund will be managed by Karen Harvey, Community Sport Development Manager at the University of Bristol. For more information please contact Karen Harvey, tel 0117 331 1166 or email karen.harvey@bris.ac.uk
Please contact Caroline Clancy for further information.
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