In just over 100 days, four people from Deloitte's Birmingham
office will take to the roads of Britain as part of a cycling team
bidding to raise £1m for ParalympicsGB over the next four
years.
On June 12 2010, more than 100 cyclists from the firm will
embark on a 1,000 mile ride from John O'Groats to Land's End as
part of the Deloitte 'Ride Across Britain'.
Taking part from Deloitte in Birmingham are Chris Robertson,
Richard Moore, Andrew Shaw and Jason Norris.
The overall route has been carefully mapped to take the riders
through some of Britain's most iconic countryside, as well as past
some of Deloitte's 21 regional offices. The event aims to get more
than 600 people on their bikes for a good cause, including clients
of the firm, members of the public and sporting stars including
Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey.
Every Deloitte rider will raise funds for ParalympicsGB. The
firm' has chosen the charity as it is aligned to Deloitte
Disability Sport, a programme that aims to get disabled people
active and competing and winning in sport. The programme includes
Deloitte Parasport, the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme and the
firm's sponsorship of ParalympicsGB.
Richard Edwards, Midlands practice senior partner at Deloitte in
Birmingham, said: "The Deloitte Ride Across Britain is an exciting
initiative for us and we are very proud to be supporting
ParalympicsGB. The ride is an innovative way for us to engage our
people and our clients, bringing these groups together to raise
funds for disability sport in Great Britain and for our future
Paralympians.
"Following the team's most successful Games ever in Beijing, it
is essential that ParalympicsGB continues to receive the financial
support it requires to train, improve and inspire athletes in the
run up to London 2012."
Chris Robertson, audit partner at Deloitte in Birmingham, said:
"It is going to be a tough challenge, but I know that all the
Deloitte riders are determined to complete the ride.
"We know the money we are raising will be spent wisely - on
areas that will enable the team to give their lifetime's best
performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games."
ParalympicsGB chief executive Phil Lane welcomed the efforts and
fundraising of the riders, saying: "Across Britain, young people
with a disability have been inspired by the achievements of
Britain's Paralympians and dreams of London 2012.
"Deloitte's decision to make ParalympicsGB the charity partner
of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain - and the incredible efforts of
the riders - will enable a new generation of Paralympians to emerge
with more than just dreams. They will have realistic hopes built on
solid foundations."
The Deloitte Ride Across Britain will be run and managed by
Threshold Sports. James Cracknell, Olympian and co-founding
director, said: "We're delighted to be supported by Deloitte for
the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. We wanted to create a cycling
event that would give everybody the opportunity to get outdoors and
achieve something new and exciting. Selecting ParalympicsGB as the
charity partner will provide disability sport with an extra boost
to help nurture and develop future Paralympians. Deloitte's
contribution will have a lasting impact for years to
come."