[16 JUL 98] COVENTRY
CRUSADERS PRESS RELEASE
Mercia Health Continues To Support The CrusadersThe MHB Coventry Crusaders Basketball Club is pleased to announce that Mercia
Health Benefits (MHB) has agreed to continue to support the Club and the expansion of its
grass roots development work during the 1998/99 season.
Robert 'Dip' Donaldson, Club owner said:
"MHB's support through sponsorship over the past five
years has enabled the Crusaders to establish the best grass roots development programme in
the country which continues to grow reaching over 4,000 young people a year."
Basketball currently attracts over 2 million people
throughout the country who participate in organised leagues on a regional or national
basis. Coventry's team of basketball development coaches now attend a total of 37
schools, colleges, youth groups and community centres in Coventry reaching 2,000
youngsters a week. They now plan to increase this programme to give everyone in Coventry
and Warwickshire the opportunity to be involved in the country's fastest growing sport.
The grass roots development work is now under the guidance
of the newly formed Crusader Foundation, which is committed to working with young people
in and around the city and supporting them in personal development.
The foundation which is currently seeking charitable status
from the Charity Commission will work alongside the basketball club aims to provide
positive learning experiences, encourage healthy lifestyles, develop team building skills
and inspire racial harmony.
Michele Frasca said:
"Mercia Health Benefits, which is now a member of the
BUPA Group, is delighted to be continuing its support of Coventry's own basketball team
and their newly established charity - the Crusader Foundation.
"The planned work of the Foundation meets MHB's
criteria for sponsorship by providing a suitable profile for MHB via team activities and
other community works."
The Foundation hopes to reach all young people, regardless
of age, race, gender, ethnic group and financial status. In addition the Foundation
will work closely with Coventry Youth for Christ, combining their knowledge and experience
of working with young people with the basketball expertise of the MHB Coventry Crusaders.
MORE INFORMATION: Dip Donaldson 01203
831121 |
