Ice cream firm invests £10k in bobsleigh team

Frozen desserts firm R&R Ice Cream has invested £10,000 in the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) to help promote winter sports to Britain’s Young Athletes.

The BBSA received the sponsorship boost from Yorkshire-based R&R on June 15 to fund its youth programme launched in October 2014.

R&R ceo Ibrahim Najafi met two rising stars who are part of the BBSA scheme – George Johnston (18) and Kelsea Purchall (18) – at Camp Hill outdoor activities centre near Bedale, North Yorkshire recently to wish them well.

Camp Hill is one of two locations to have a permanent bobsleigh push start track in the UK.

‘Future sliding stars’

Najafi said: “I am delighted to support this valuable initiative which will hopefully produce future sliding stars who will shine at the 2020 Youth Winter Olympic Games in Lausanne.

“I am personally keen on the programme, as it enables youngsters to make the most of their natural talents and also there is a big focus on commitment and teamwork.

“At R&R, we like to get involved in schemes where our donation will make a real difference and I wish the youth programme every success in the future.”

Ceo of the BBSA Richard Parker said that R&R played an important role in the success of the GB Youth Bobsleigh programme.

‘Success story’

“We are very grateful to R&R for the support they provide throughout that journey. Without their backing, this success story would not be possible,” said Parker.

“They have also played an important role in introducing the BBSA to other partners, all of whom share R&R’s passion for our sport and our vision, and for that we are also very thankful.”

Meanwhile, earlier this month R&R Ice Cream posted a 1.3% drop in sales for the first quarter of 2016.

The results followed its acquisition of Nestlé’s South Africa business, fluctuating exchange rates, and tough European trading conditions, which hit like-­for-­like performance, said the manufacturer.