Building Performance: Jade Jones and Jaguar Cars

(Whitley, UK ‑ 12 September 2012).  London 2012 Gold Medal Winner Jade Jones today visited Jaguar Cars' manufacturing facility at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham. The 19‑year‑old Team GB Taekwondo star was once again in inspiring form, as she discussed her Olympic successes with the production team and helped build the Jaguar XF she will soon be driving.

In recognition of her achievements at London 2012, Jade recently achieved 'Elite Member' status at the Jaguar Academy of Sport.  As a 'Rising Star' at the Academy since 2010, Jade received financial assistance from the organisation and mentoring from Dame Kelly Holmes as she sought optimum training support prior to the Games this summer.

With production of the stunning new F‑TYPE sports car soon to begin at Castle Bromwich, Jaguar Cars took the opportunity to invite Jade to its manufacturing plant, and share with the team responsible for building her new Jaguar XF 2.2 Saloon her thoughts on developing a mindset dedicated to outstanding performance.

Geoff Cousins, Global Director for Sponsorships and Brand Partners at Jaguar Cars said: "It has been extremely gratifying to see Jade achieve her ultimate goal at such a young age and enhance her reputation as a world‑class athlete. Jade will undoubtedly now be an inspiration to other 'Rising Stars' at the Jaguar Academy of Sport.

"It is our pleasure to supply Jade with a Jaguar XF as she begins the next chapter of her sporting career. It is an exciting time and through the Academy, we plan to significantly boost the legacy effect of London 2012 by identifying and supporting the next generation of British sports stars."    

As an Elite Member, Jade Jones will now become a mentor to  'Rising Stars' at the Academy, alongside a high profile group of Patrons and Ambassadors at The Academy including Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Steve Redgrave CBE.

Jade Jones commented: "It is a privilege to work with Jaguar and The Academy of Sport. I've been fortunate to benefit from the advice and experience of some incredible athletes including Dame Kelly Holmes, David Beckham, Sir Steve Redgrave, Gareth Edwards and Denise Lewis. I am really looking forward to helping other young athletes in a similar capacity.

"I really enjoyed meeting the team at Castle Bromwich today. It is a slick manufacturing operation and I'm really looking forward to driving a new Jaguar. I'd like to thank everyone at the Academy and at Jaguar for their support."

 (ENDS)

Notes to Editors:

Jaguar Academy of Sport:

The Jaguar Academy of Sport aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. This is fulfilled through a Bursary Fund and a unique Mentoring and Education Programme (MEP) delivered by Kelly Holmes Education. The programme is an integral part of the Academy's success and provides the Rising Stars with invaluable non‑financial support to enhance their overall development and learning, helping them on their journey to fulfilling their sporting dreams. Rising Stars work with the Academy's Patrons and Ambassadors through tailored Workshops and Talent Days, which are delivered by experts in their disciplines.

Website: www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk

This support the Jaguar Academy of Sport has provided has made a tangible difference to the Rising Stars development pathway, with 33% of the 2010 Rising Stars and 30% of 2011 Rising Stars moving on to Talent Development Pathway Funding.

The Jaguar Academy of Sport has received a highly commended status from the Marketing Society Awards 2012 for the work it is doing to support the next generation of British sporting talent. 

How to become a rising star

To be eligible for the Jaguar Academy of Sport Bursary Fund, the young athlete, both able‑bodied and those with a disability, should be nominated to SportsAid for financial support by their sports own national governing body (NGB). This ensures the Jaguar Academy of Sport helps to support the right athletes, at the right time, in the right way.

Who are the Patrons, Ambassadors and Members

Patrons: including  David Beckham OBE,  Sir Ian Botham OBE,  Sir Steve Redgrave CBE,  Gareth Edwards CBE,  Denise Lewis OBE and  Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, MBE, our list reads like a 'who's who' of British sporting Legends. Now they are working together, united in one goal; to nurture the next generation of British sporting greats.

Ambassadors:a selection of Olympic gold medal winning athletes, European Champions League winning footballers, rugby legends and golfing greats including;  Colin Jackson CBE,  Jamie Baulch,  Jessica Ennis MBE,  Dai Greene,  Sir Chris Hoy MBE,   Rio Ferdinand and  Jonny Wilkinson OBE.

Members:include A.P. McCoy OBE, Sam Warburton, Sally Gunnell and Mo Farah to name but a few are amongst the leading sports personalities who are dedicated to helping young people emulate their success through the Academy.

Contacts:

Claire Boakes
Press Officer
UK Sport & Lifestyle Jaguar
M: 07557 846883                      
E: cboakes@jaguar.com

Carla McAlpine
Jaguar Academy of Sport
T: 020 72879610
M: 07718 897803
E:  carla@jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk