JCCM Jane Cowmeadow Communications and Management

Dame Kelly and Jessica Ennis Part of the Newly Launched Jaguar Academy of Sport

5 March 10

Long-standing British automotive brand Jaguar has made its first major foray into UK sport by launching the Jaguar Academy of Sport which has the primary aim of recognising and supporting new British sporting talent through the provision of a Bursary Fund.

The Jaguar Academy will not only support new talent but also hold an annual Awards ceremony to recognise their successes.

Jaguar has also gathered together an array of British sporting legends to act as patrons for the Academy and inspire the young talent, including the likes of Sir Ian Botham, Gareth Edwards, Dame Kelly Holmes, Denise Lewis, Sir Steve Redgrave and David Beckham.

Working with the Patrons will be an inspirational group of sporting ambassadors amongst them: Jessica Ennis; Michael Vaughan; Colin Jackson; Dave Brailsford and Tasha Danvers.

All sports will be considered for the Fund and the beneficiaries will be those who demonstrate the greatest potential, real dedication to their sport and an outstanding desire to succeed.

The Jaguar Academy will work closely with charity SportsAid using their proven process and expertise to ensure the very best talent is identified and supported.

The final decision on the successful athletes nominated for a bursary will be made by the patrons of the Jaguar Academy of Sport.

Jaguar stated that it hopes that the Fund will help to develop the next generation of British sporting champions. The first beneficiaries of the Jaguar Academy Bursary Fund will be announced in the next few months.

Day-to-day the Jaguar Academy will be represented by a news website, www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk, which will showcase British sport and its greatest performers past & present.

The site will also leverage social media to engage visitors and encourage comment and opinion.