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Preston is handed £3m Guild games boost
Preston has been chosen to host a huge sporting bonanza, the Lancashire Evening Post can reveal.
The UK Corporate Games will be held in the city as part of the 2012 Guild celebrations and should boost the economy by at least 3million.
At least 3,500 people will take part in 23 sports including football, golf, badminton, basketball, karting, tennis, dragon boat racing
and rounders during the Olympic year.
The Guild Hall will be turned into a "supercentre" to host
many events. And competitors will use Preston hotels, along with UCLan student accommodation, and stay for a long weekend in early June.
Council leader Ken Hudson said: "This is great news for Preston
and a great boost for our local economy. Staging the games is worth over 3m in hotel stays and competitors spending money in the city.
"We'll be doing everything possible to put on one of the best games ever, so that everyone has a fantastic time and will leave with a wonderful impression of Preston."
Council officials see it as a perfect opportunity to promote the city to major firms. Opening and closing celebrations will be held, along with off-field parties, parades and award ceremonies.
The Evening Post understands Preston beat off competition
from several other towns and cities, including Blackpool, to host Europe's largest sporting event for businesses.
Financial backing from the North West Development Agency, plus the high profile of the historic Guild in its 800th year, are thought to have persuaded organisers to favour Preston.
Dr Maureen Johnston, president and founder of the Worldwide corporate Games Community said: "Preston is an outstanding city for such an event.
"It is both historic and modern with a vibrant mix of old and
new, and has a great business, lifestyle and sporting ambience.
"It is excellent in both amenities and location for the visitors
who will come from businesses, organisations and institutions
across the UK and from many places worldwide.
"The competitors will not be superstars, although some may once have been leaders in their sport, but they will play hard and enjoy the camaraderie and respect that real competition in sport and life can offer."
In previous years, companies such as British Airways, John Lewis, Barclays and Microsoft have entered teams and it is hoped more than 300 organisations will take part in Preston.
Games director Ben Sedgemore said: "The team-building benefits just cannot be underestimated.
"As an ex-professional football player I can tell you it is tough to replicate the camaraderie and team spirit that you get in professional team sport when you move to an office environment. However,
I am a firm believer that the Games is the perfect vehicle to achieve just that."
The event will be organised by Sport for Life Limited,
which will raise 600,000 to fund the entire event.
It will be open to every kind and size of business, including
staff, clients, family and friends, who will wear the colours of their organisation.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
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