Lancaster University welcomes the UK Corporate Games

The UK Corporate Games, which was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19, has been rescheduled to take place in Lancaster from September 2-5, with former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville announced as patron.

The event gives businesses and organisations the chance to compete in a range of sports while also visiting the historic city of Lancaster and sampling Lancaster University’s parkland campus.

Lancaster University sports facilities will be used to host many of the competitions, including football, tennis, volleyball and cycling.

The event has been scheduled for the autumn, after step 4 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, when national restrictions on social contact and large events are expected to have been lifted. Organisers will, however, continue to follow the latest government guidelines to offer a safe event for everyone.

Jon Powell, head of enterprise and innovation services at Lancaster University, vice president of Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the steering group, said: “We are delighted that the UK Corporate Games has been able to secure a new date to come to Lancaster following the cancellation last year. This is a fantastic opportunity for staff and students to be active and have fun in 2021.

“Lancaster University is a key stakeholder in the Games. Not only will we be hosting around half of the 23 sports, but 1,500 competitors will be staying on campus and joining in the celebrations at the Registration SuperCentre and Games Celebration Parade. And of course we are inviting Lancaster University staff and student teams to take part.”

Games director Doug White said: “We are delighted to be bringing the UK Corporate Games to Lancaster and are thrilled to have Gary Neville on board as this year’s Patron for the Games. The Games are open to all, for the benefit of all and welcomes everyone, regardless of sporting ability or level of fitness.”

The Games is designed to bring people and teams together, giving opportunities to everyday people who play sport for the fun and fitness it provides.

Competition is inclusive and accessible to all, with institutions, businesses, government agencies, partnerships and sports clubs all eligible to enter.

In addition to Lancaster University, the UK Corporate Games is working with partners including Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and EDF to arrange the event, which will welcome teams from across the UK.

Salt Ayre, the University of Cumbria and Lancaster and Morecambe College are also among the local venues that will host competitions across the weekend in September.

Gary Neville, who founded Lancaster University partner institution UA92, recorded a video to share his support for the competition which can be watched here.

For more information on the UK Corporate Games and to register a team for the Lancaster event, visit here.