The Merkur UK Community project, funded by the company and its high street customers, has awarded £10,000 ($12,923.10) to England Hockey's 'Pick up a Stick' campaign. The initiative, with the motto "Play: Celebrate: Inspire," aims to identify and nurture future Olympians.
With the 2024 Summer Olympics set to open on July 26 in Paris, England Hockey is leveraging the event's momentum to boost awareness and participation in the sport across all levels. The goal is to create a lasting Olympic legacy through increased engagement, according to a statement.
Tony Boulton, Merkur UK's Director of Public and Political Relations, has overseen the launch and implementation of the Merkur Community project. The latest award brings the total generated by Merkur Community to over £60,000 since its inception in January 2024.
Boulton said: "As a global celebration featuring athletes from 196 nations participating in 329 events across 32 sports the Olympic Games provides an unrivaled opportunity to engage with current, lapsed, and most importantly generations of new players."
England Hockey, responsible for the sport's management and development from grassroots to elite levels, will use the Merkur Community funding to facilitate coaching courses, enabling clubs to train additional members for local hockey sessions. The funds will also support the 'Adopt a School' campaign by providing necessary equipment and developing a toolkit of interactive digital resources.
"We are absolutely delighted to be able to help fund the work of England Hockey and encourage greater numbers to play the game regardless of their previous hockey experience," Boulton added.
