About the partnership

McCain has partnered with UK Athletics to develop Britain's raw athletic talent through sponsorship of grassroots athletics. As Title Sponsor, McCain's backing will support young UK athletes as they work to achieve their potential via participation in the McCain Young Athletes League and the McCain UK Challenge events.

Over the next five years, McCain's sponsorship will also play an integral role in helping to find and nurture the champions of tomorrow by inspiring more people to get more active. In September 2008, Olympic champion Sally Gunnell will launch McCain 'Track & Field': a nationwide campaign that will make athletics more accessible to more people.

Sally Gunnell comments, "I believe in balancing an active lifestyle with enjoying good food. As a busy mum with three growing boys, I know all about the pressures that parents face in getting their children to eat healthily and get active and am delighted that McCain has joined forces with UKA to help support them and encourage everyone to get into the sport I love."

Commenting on the sponsorship, Gerry Sutcliffe, Home Office Minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says, "I fully support this partnership between McCain and UK Athletics, which I hope will encourage those who would not normally consider athletics to get involved in the sport. I hope it succeeds in finding and nurturing the champions of the future and developing grass roots talent in UK athletics in the run up to the Olympics in 2012."

Ed Warner, Chairman of UK Athletics comments, "UK Athletics is delighted to announce this principal partnership, which will have an immediate impact on the development and nurturing of UK grassroots athletics talent. This is a partner that shares the same vision as UK athletics - that of a healthier Britain."

Nick Vermont, Regional CEO at McCain comments, "Our consumers understand that we make good, simple food. We feel we have a role to play in promoting a healthy balanced lifestyle to our consumers, ensuring that they are leading an active life as well as enjoying good food."