Construction firm lays foundations for sporting dreams

Derby construction firm Hodgkinson Builders is hoping to build up the nation’s sporting success by becoming the latest sponsor of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).

The property developer, based in Pride Park, has taken out Gold sponsorship with the DIS as part of the sporting body’s Thrive sponsorship programme.

The support enables the DIS to extend its work with young talented athletes across all sporting disciplines, providing the opportunity for them to realise their dreams of representing Great Britain. 

The DIS, which receives no Government funding, relies on business sponsorship to deliver its expert technical, nutritional, coaching and development programmes as cost-effectively as possible for the athletes.

As a Gold sponsor, Hodgkinson Builders also receives a raft of benefits for its own employees – all designed to improve physical and mental well-being. These include: access to a team of health and well-being staff; an online weekly group exercise session; online physiotherapy screenings; and individual nutrition consultations.

Robert Hodgkinson, operations director for Hodgkinson Builders, who is currently training for a duathlon later on in the year said: “As a huge sports and fitness fan, including being an avid Derby County supporter for as long as I can remember, I am always in awe of the amazing achievements of our sports men and women.

“I also know that sporting success transcends sport in that it inspires people in every walk of life – not just to lead healthier lifestyles and be more active but to be the best they can be. So we are delighted and extremely proud to be the newest Gold sponsor for DIS.   

“I hope our involvement will help many more young Derbyshire champions come through the ranks and fulfil their sporting dreams. And I know everyone at Hodgkinson Builders will be looking forward to benefiting from our own access to some of the nation’s top experts in health and well-being.”

The DIS, which began in 2012 as a legacy project after the London Olympics and Paralympics, provides bespoke support services to individual athletes, sports teams and club members to enable them to reach their true potential. 

Its original target of developing 20 champions by 2020 was achieved in February of that year. The champions supported through the DIS have included the multiple Olympic Table Tennis medallist Liam Pitchford, the World number one para-badminton player Jack Shephard, and world junior heptathlete champion Niamh Emerson, who is now being coached by Toni Minichiello and Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Hodgkinson Builders, which was founded in 1990 has a history of supporting young people in the construction industry and effecting positive social change through the building of better community-focused housing.