The MERKUR UK Community project, funded by the company and its high street customers, has made a significant contribution to the future of England Hockey. With a £10,000 award, MERKUR UK is backing the ‘Pick up a Stick’ campaign, a key initiative under the motto Play: Celebrate: Inspire.
As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, England Hockey aims to leverage the event’s momentum to boost awareness and participation in the sport. The goal is to establish a lasting Olympic legacy by increasing engagement at all levels. This partnership highlights MERKUR UK’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports and fostering the development of future Olympians.
Tony Boulton, MERKUR UK’s Director of Public and Political Relations has overseen the launch and implementation of MERKUR Community. Confirming the latest award, which takes the total generated by MERKUR Community to over £60,000 since its launch in January 2024, he said: “As a global celebration featuring athletes from 196 nations participating in 329 events across 32 sports the Olympic Games provides an unrivalled opportunity to engage with current, lapsed and most importantly generations of new players.
“England Hockey oversees the sport’s management and development, spanning from grassroots initiatives to elite-level activities and the MERKUR Community funding will go towards facilitating coaching courses so clubs can train additional members to deliver hockey sessions in the local community providing equipment for the ‘Adopt a School’ campaign and developing a tool kit of interactive digital resources.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to help fund the work of England Hockey and encourage greater numbers to play the game regardless of their previous hockey experience.”