Great Britain Olympic hopeful, Richard Stannard, is on track to fulfil his lifetime ambition and compete in the 2008 Beijing games with help from new sponsor, Esendex. World and British Champion athlete Stannard has signed a 12-month sponsorship deal with business communications specialist, Esendex, to provide essential support to Richard’s Olympic triathlon campaign.

Sponsorship is vital for athletes in minor sports to enable them to operate as professionals and reach the highest levels in competition. As well as the associated travel and living costs to reach Olympic standard, support is also required in the form of training partners and sports therapists. Stannard relies on his support network including his training partner, physiotherapist and massage therapist, who have helped him make the top eight competing for the final three places on the Olympic GB triathlon team. Currently racing in the World Cup series, Richard is focusing on the Olympic Trials in Spain on 25th May to qualify for Olympic Games triathlon in August.

“Sponsorship gives me a chance to give back to the companies that help me,” explains Richard Stannard. “Whether it’s giving motivational talks to employees or taking them on an open water swim session, there are short and long term ways in which I can make a difference to company life. Esendex is a great match for me, as they truly believe in, and support, the sport of triathlon”.

Julian Hucker, managing director at Esendex, comments, “Richard is a true inspiration and sponsoring him is fantastic for the company. We encourage staff participation in the sport of triathlon at Esendex and Richard will be helping our own triathlon team improve this year. It’s also great exposure for us, with triathlon being covered on the television as well as interactive media”.

Esendex is also providing Stannard with its Business Services, including the distribution of SMS communications to stakeholders and mobile blogging services. BlogIt from Esendex enables Richard to post entries to his blog from his mobile phone, wherever he is in the world.

“We are essentially full time athletes, 24/7/365, it never stops,” enthuses Stannard. “We train for approximately 30 to 35 hours per week, four to six hours per day, with one rest day a week. I live, eat and breathe triathlon, and everything I do affects my performance. I’m living the dream. Triathlon is my passion and, with the help of Esendex and my other sponsors, I’m committed to bringing home an Olympic result”.

To keep up with the latest on Richard’s progress, log on to the Esendex blog at: www.esendex.com/en/Esendex-Blogs/Esendex-Blog