UK_AthleticsMAY 5 - UK ATHLETICS has secured another endorsement deal with a blue-chip sponsor as it continues to build towards the 2012 Olympics.


Alfa Romeo has signed a new partnership to become "Official Car Supplier", providing a fleet of vehicles for UK Athletics coaches, staff and a select group of top performing athletes.

It follows earlier deals with Norwich Union and Vonage.

The deal means UK Athletics have access to a fleet of Alfa Romeo’s including the 147, Brera, Spider, GT and 159 models, at a special lease rate which means a significant amount of cash can be released back into the sport, to support the performance programme.

Dave Collins, the UK Athletics performance director, said: “We are pleased to have formed a relationship with Alfa Romeo. 

"The arrangements offer a good fit to our performance needs, whilst also releasing important resources to help us in our pursuit of excellence.”

Alfa Romeo will be also supporting the “Driving Athletics Stars of the Future” programme, which will use 10 Alfa GTs as performance rewards for some of the UK’s top athletes who medal at major Athletics Championships, such as this year’s World Championships in Osaka.

Managing director at Alfa Romeo, Christopher Nicoll, said: “The synergies between UK Athletics and Alfa Romeo are perfect. "Passion, performance and pride run through our veins and the ‘cuore sportivo’ (sporting heart) of Alfa Romeo.

"We trust our involvement will support UK Athletics’ long term ambitions and look forward to future success on the track and field.”