The Jaguar Academy of Sport was launched at a ceremony in London today by Sir Ian Botham, Gareth Edwards CBE, Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, Denise Lewis OBE, Sir Steve Redgrave and supported by David Beckham OBE by video message. These legends of British sport are the Patrons of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, which aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success.

The Jaguar Academy will fulfill this aim through a Bursary Fund which will support new British sporting talent, a prestigious annual Awards Ceremony, a unique club of the best of British sport which will be used to inspire the next generation and a vibrant website celebrating British sporting talent and achievement. www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk

At the heart of the Jaguar Academy is a Bursary Fund that will support the development of young British sporting talent.  All sports will be considered and the beneficiaries will be those who demonstrate the greatest potential, real dedication to their sport and an outstanding desire to succeed. The Jaguar Academy will work closely with charity SportsAid using their proven process and expertise to ensure the very best talent is identified and supported. The final decision on the successful athletes nominated for a Bursary will be made by the Patrons of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, some of the nation’s most successful sportsmen and women.  Over time it is hoped this fund will help to develop the next generation of British sporting champions.  The first beneficiaries of the Jaguar Academy Bursary Fund will be announced in the next few months.

The Jaguar Academy will also feature a prestigious annual Awards ceremony celebrating the best British sporting achievements of the year and will also recognise rising stars from across British sport. Each winner will receive a Trophy which was unveiled at the launch today.  It is a bespoke design created specifically for the Jaguar Academy by Jaguar Chief Designer, Giles Taylor.   In addition, the best performing Jaguar Academy Bursary winners will be invited to the Awards, supporting the mission of the Jaguar Academy to recognise, celebrate and inspire the next generation of British sporting talent.

Patrons
David Beckham OBE
Sir Ian Botham
Gareth Edwards CBE
Dame Kelly Holmes DBE
Denise Lewis OBE
Sir Steve Redgrave

Ambassadors
Jamie Baulch
Dave Brailsford CBE
Martin Brundle
Tasha Danvers
Jessica Ennis
Mark Foster
Steven Gerrard MBE
Sir Chris Hoy
Colin Jackson CBE
Dave Roberts CBE
Michael Vaughan OBE
Lee Westwood
Shane Williams