Canoe believe it! As Olympians Adam Peatty and Joe Clarke excel in Rio, a local property expert is hoping his company’s sponsorship will bring about more medals for an award-winning Staffordshire athlete.
Ron Jeffries, 49, Managing Director of Stone-based Jeffries Group, is backing 44-year-old paracanoeist, Ian Marsden, in his bid to win gold in the Brazil Paralympics.
Staffordshire athletes have performed brilliantly in the water in Rio and Ian hopes to continue this next month in the Paralympics. Ron, who has contributed towards the cost of one of Ian’s specialized canoes, is proud to have played a part in supporting the Trentham sportsman.
The property expert, who runs Stone-based Stone Property Buyers, explains why he decided to sponsor Ian in his Olympic dream.
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]He said: “Ian is an amazing sportsman who has overcome numerous injuries and illnesses to win multiple awards over the years.
“We first made contact with Ian a few years ago when we heard he needed funding for a more competitive canoe. We helped fund this; it was obvious to us that Ian was going to go all the way in this sport. He is truly an inspirational person and athlete.”[/box]
Following injury, which would have been the end of any hope of sporting success for many, Ian has gone on to achieve world class recognition in not just one but three sports including powerlifting and hand cycling.
The two-time paracanoe European champion and two-time world silver medallist’s hard work and training paid off when he was selected for the Paralympics earlier this year.
Ron added: “All of us at Stone Property Buyers are delighted for Ian that his dream to get to Rio has been realised. He is now training hard for the September Games and we are continuing to fund towards Ian’s training and travel costs to support his efforts.
“It is more than apt that the Paralympics motto this year is ‘Yes, I can’ – Ian has shown us time and time again that he can, and has overcome all the odds to be the best at all he does.”
Ian was named Sports Performer of the Year (Disability class) in 2015, which was held at the County Showground in Stafford.
The 2016 Paralympics take place from 7th – 18th September. The Paracanoe Sprint is new to the Paralympics; athletes in kayaks must complete a straight 200m course across Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in the fastest possible time.
