about a year ago

This evening, 1st March, at the Italian Embassy, London, Nerio Alessandri, Technogym President and Founder, stood alongside Paul Deighton, LOCOG CEO, Andy Hunt, British Olympic Association (BOA) CEO, and Tim Hollingsworth British Paralympic Association (BPA) CEO to announce Technogym’s plans for 2012.

Mr Alessandri emphasised his pride in Technogym’s position as exclusive supplier for all athletic preparation centres for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. He also announced Technogym’s new Olympic and Paralympic Ambassadors: reigning 400m Olympic Champion Christine Ohuruogu and T35 100 and 200m European Number 1 and World number 2, Paralympian Sophia Warner.

“London 2012 represents a step change in the way that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are viewed; while they are very different events we are seeing much closer integration between the two in terms of people’s appreciation and excitement and we see Technogym as a key player in making this happen." Tim Hollingsworth

The evening was an important opportunity for Technogym to continue to create momentum throughout the fitness and wellness industry for its ‘I Pledge’ initiative.  Launched in January of this year, ‘I Pledge’ is hosted by Team GB’s and ParalympicGB’s ‘Our Greatest Team’ platform and asks members of the public to make a pledge, big or small, to improve their health and lifestyle through making a better choice or fulfilling a sporting goal such as running five kilometres.  Through their pledges members of the public show their commitment to Team GB and ParalympicsGB in 2012 and live the message, ‘900 athletes, 60 million strong’. Every single British citizen can be part of this "Once in a lifetime event" by making a Pledge to do something positive and active to show their support to show their support to Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Great Britain.

The Our Greatest Team initiative integrates perfectly with Movergy, a Social Platform created by Technogym to connect millions of people and to inspire them to be and stay active. Across Britain, Movergy will connect people that have pledged and help them to become more active in order to achieve their pledges and make a positive change to their lifestyle.

Mr. Alessandri commented that this evening was an important opportunity for Technogym to put a stake in the ground and celebrate its partnership with London 2012, the progress of the ‘I Pledge’ campaign which has over 1,100 community hubs signed up already, and partnerships with Christine, Iain and Sophia.  He continued, “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Our Greatest Team initiative represent two unique opportunities to promote wellness as a social opportunity and to get increasing numbers of people interested in regular exercise.  Ultimately this could benefit the country enormously by reducing health costs; increasing business productivity; and improving the personal health and wellbeing of the British public.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the British Paralympic Association spoke of how London 2012 will be the most integrated Games ever “London 2012 represents a step change in the way that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are viewed;  while they are very different events we are seeing much closer integration between the two in terms of people’s appreciation and excitement and we see Technogym as a key player in making this happen.  The ‘I Pledge’ initiative provides the fitness and wellness industry a great opportunity to continue the work of LOCOG and Our Greatest Team to create united and integrated locations around the country”.

LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton reemphasised his commitment to the partnership with Technogym as official supplier to London 2012 saying, “We’re thrilled to be working with Technogym. They have consistently demonstrated their commitment to technical excellence in the equipment that they will be providing for the London 2012 Games, ensuring that all athletes are prepared as possible. Their ‘I Pledge’ initiative is a fantastic way for people to push beyond their personal best, make a difference to their lifestyle and also help support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes.”  
 
Speaking about Technogym’s ‘I Pledge’ campaign before the event, Andy Hunt said, “We are incredibly pleased to have Technogym on board for the Our Greatest Team campaign.  The work that the company has done with its ‘I Pledge’ initiative so far has been truly inspiring. With over 1000 registrations, it is encouraging to know that there is a strong appetite within the nation to take up the challenge and join Our Greatest Team”.