Corus CEO cheers on Kids of Steel

Posted by By Gary Roethenbaugh at 27 April, at 00 : 00 AM Print

Kirby Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Corus, visited Newham in East London to cast his eye over Corus’ investment in triathlon – one of Britain’s fastest growing and most successful sports.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, joined him as 1,000 children from 21 schools experienced their first taste of a sport in which Britain has five current world champions and a support staff network that is the envy of the rest of the world.

Corus is embarking on the fourth year of a corporate partnership with British Triathlon that is committed through to 2013. Newham marks the start of the 2010 Corus Kids of Steel series, which will visit 15 venues in total and reach more people than it ever has in previous years.

The children took part in a mini-triathlon at Newham Leisure Centre, involving swimming, cycling and running. Other Corus Kids of Steel venues also have a special connection with the steel company, with key venues including Scunthorpe, Teesside, Corby and South Wales.

Adams, who has been Corus CEO since April 2009, said: “Corus has a major emphasis on community involvement. It’s a strength we have as a company and it’s central to our ethos. At many of the Corus Kids of Steel venues we are a major employer and we are committed to the local community. We actively encourage our staff to volunteer at Kids of Steel events to give something back.

“Our corporate partnership with British Triathlon is focused on ensuring that the grass roots of the sport are being nurtured, and that children have the opportunity to experience an Olympic sport in their own community. We hope they will be inspired to emulate the successes of athletes such as ITU Triathlon World Champion Alistair Brownlee, but if they don’t, they will know what triathlon is and they will remember Kids of Steel as a highlight.

Dame Kelly Holmes commented at the event, “It is fantastic to be here at Kids of Steel today and see hundreds of youngsters getting the chance to experience triathlon. The sport has some very talented young stars coming through at the moment and we need more events like this to help inspire the next generation.”

British Triathlon CEO Zara Hyde Peters added, "Corus Kids of Steel is a hugely popular and successful programme and we are delighted to see the series extend to 15 events this year, ensuring that around 12,000 children are exposed to the sport at community level as well as their parents, schoolteachers and a whole army of potential new sport participants."

Kay Shagourie was here today watching her son, Zakeus-Blue, from St Helen’s Primary School in Plaistow, take part, she said, “He took part in Kids of Steel for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. Since then he hasn’t stopped taking part in events and has joined the Newham & Essex Beagles triathlon club.”

Eight year old Katie Britto, also from St Helen’s was taking part in her first triathlon. After crossing the finishing line, she said, “I really enjoyed it, especially the running bit and getting my medal. I would like to do more things like this.”

www.britishtriathlon.org
www.corusgroup.com/triathlon
 

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