Information technology company CGI are sponsorship three young athletes from England, Scotland and Wales as they prepare for Gold Coast 2018 ©CGI

CGI, an independent information technology and business process services company, is to support three athletes from England, Scotland and Wales in their build-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

It has offered backing to English decathlete Ashley Bryant, Scottish wheelchair racing star Meggan Dawson-Farrell and Welsh gymnast Laura Halford.

CGI is the official systems integration and IT outsourcing partner of Team England, Team Wales and Team Scotland.

England's Ashley Bryant won a silver medal in the decathlon at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images
England's Ashley Bryant won a silver medal in the decathlon at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

Loughborough-based Bryant won a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the decathlon at Glasgow 2014. 

“The biggest use of the money from CGI’s sponsorship is that it’s made the life changing move up to Loughborough a possibility," said 25-year-old Bryant.

"There is so much expense associated with moving, but the help from CGI meant I made the jump."

Rhythmic gymnast Halford, 20, won three medals at Glasgow 2014, a silver and two bronze. 

“I am honoured to have been chosen as Wales’ ambassador for CGI. In the run up to Gold Coast 2018, my training will be of paramount importance," she said. 

"My partnership with CGI will help fund new kit, equipment and keep me mobile as I train 32 hours per week, whilst studying for my degree in sport and exercise science."

Wales' Laura Halford won three medals, including a silver and two bronze, at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images
Wales' Laura Halford won three medals, including a silver and two bronze, at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

Dawson-Farrell holds the Scottish T53 record for 100 metres, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon.  

She finished seventh in the T54 1500m at Glasgow 2014 before going on to win a gold medal in the T54 at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation World Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville. 

“CGI’s support is such an honour and a huge help towards achieving my goals,” said 23-year-old Dawson-Farrell.

“It means I can travel to the right level of competition to qualify and prepare for Gold Coast 2018, with the aim of doing even better than in Glasgow. 

"It’s so exciting to be chosen for this sponsorship, it will make such a massive difference.”

Meggan Dawson-Farrell holds every Scottish record between 100 metres and the marathon in the T53 category ©Getty Images
Meggan Dawson-Farrell holds every Scottish record between 100 metres and the marathon in the T53 category ©Getty Images

The athletes are all set to take part in activities such as blogs, webcasts and visits to help CGI’s members develop awareness of the benefits of exercise and wellbeing. 

“Our support of these athletes and the respective teams is very exciting for everyone here at CGI in the UK.” said Tim Gregory, UK President, CGI. 

“As an organisation we are committed to supporting professional development in our own areas of expertise and it has been great to extend this further into the sporting arena through this sponsorship. 

"We encourage our own members to live healthy and active lifestyles through a number of initiatives and this sponsorship is an exciting way to bring this to life for our members."