Camelot backs Team GB and ParalympicsGB ahead of Tokyo Olympics

UK National Lottery operator, Camelot, is showing its support for Team GB and ParalympicsGB in the build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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UK National Lottery operator, Camelot, is showing its support for Team GB and ParalympicsGB in the build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Camelot will become an official partner of ParalympicsGB and an official supporter of Team GB. It will continue a relationship that has seen the National Lottery provide life-changing support to Olympic and Paralympic athletes every time a lottery ticket is purchased.

Olympic and Paralympic sport has always been well supported by the lottery. Now its operator will help make sure athletes arrive at this year’s Games in the best possible shape.

Team GB and ParalympicsGB undertook a comprehensive review of their operations following the March 2020 postponement to ensure athletes are met with Covid-secure environments to prepare for the Games. Camelot’s support will play a role in making this happen.

The Team GB investment will cover a range of Covid mitigation measures, from cutting-edge hygiene technology to a comprehensive testing programme, which aims to protect the team delegation before and during the Games.

For ParalympicsGB, the investment will deliver safeguards including lateral flow testing across all prep camps, the Athlete Village and out-of-village locations, as well as Covid-secure transport and dining at athletes’ pre-Games camps in Tokyo. Every detail has been considered before the teams arrive.

Camelot CEO, Nigel Railton, said: “We’re delighted to support TeamGB and ParalympicsGB during what has been an extraordinary period for the whole of the UK.

“Throughout the pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of our employees has been our number one priority – so it seems fitting that this partnership will not only help ensure that the nation’s athletes are met with Covid-secure environments as they prepare for the Games, but will also give our employees further opportunity to be at their best every day.”

Over £2.8bn has been invested in supporting British Olympic and Paralympic sport since the National Lottery began funding elite sport in 1996. Distributed by UK Sport, these funds are crucial to the success of athletes and sports at the Games and have helped Team GB and ParalympicsGB establish themselves among the best countries in the world.

On top of this, the lottery contributed up to £2.2bn towards the cost of the London 2012 Games, with Camelot achieving its target of raising £750m towards this sum from sales of specially-designated lottery games ahead of schedule.

British Olympic Association CEO, Andy Anson, added: “The nation has been heavily impacted during the last 12 months and the Tokyo Games provide an amazing opportunity to generate a positive message.

“The support of Camelot is timely in ensuring that we’re able to maintain the world-class environment for our athletes in Tokyo whilst incorporating the vital additional infrastructure to make sure our facilities are Covid-secure for our athletes and to allow them to reach the ‘start line’ in the best possible condition.

“We’re also excited to work with Camelot and their staff on our innovative wellness programme and share the lessons learned from the success of Team GB.”

As part of the collaboration with Camelot, Team GB and ParalympicsGB will help deliver a programme called ‘Everyday Wellness’ for the operator’s 1,000 employees and help them be their best: happier, healthier and more balanced.

The innovative programme will enhance the activities Camelot already carries out in recognising the importance, value and wellbeing of its staff.

British Paralympic Association CEO, Mike Sharrock, commented: “Like so many organisations the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the British Paralympic Association and this partnership with Camelot will help ensure we can deliver world-class preparation and Games time environments to empower our athletes to achieve their goals this summer.

“Tokyo 2020 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and we are confident ParalympicsGB can help unite and inspire the nation once again.”

Earlier this year, the National Lottery agreed to a partnership with GB Women’s Football ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.