Qioptiq Support Team Army

Giving British Soldiers a Sporting Chance

Sport is critically important to the morale, welfare and operational effectiveness of Army personnel, whether serving overseas or recovering from injuries sustained in combat.

Team Army is endorsed by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Army Board (ECAB). They work in partnership with the Army Sport Control Board, which regulates all sport played in the Army, removing the significant administrative burden from Army sports associations.

Qioptiq have been working with ‘Team Army’ for approximately 3 years, achieving the position of Silver sponsor for 2012 / 2013. The sponsorship is used to support our chosen portfolio of sports within the Army including, very importantly, the sports for disabled soldiers.

Team Army represents the collective appeal of Army sports to the private sector through sponsorship contracts. Army sport is supported by the private sector and in return offers sponsors value beyond brand exposure and corporate entertainment. Industry partners become involved with Army sports at the level they choose.

All soldiers who are keen to pursue a sporting interest can do so – whatever their ability. This includes the injured and disabled, who are able to participate in sport through an initiative called Battle Back. They train with and compete alongside the able-bodied, as all Battle Back activities are integrated into able-bodied programmes. It is for this reason that Qioptiq recognises the importance of their sponsorship.

The best athletes in the Army can compete internally, at a combined Service level against Royal Air Force, Royal Navy] and with civilian teams and ‘Elite’ athletes are given encouragement and assistance to compete at the highest level possible, including representing Great Britain at Olympic and Paralympic level.

The Foundation provides the most effective route to ensure that financial support will directly contribute to the well-being of British soldiers committed to sporting excellence. Every Army sport, whether high or low profile, disabled or able-bodied, needs financial support to provide morale-building support for service people. Grants are distributed from the Foundation fund to ensure that every sport is treated fairly, with special attention being given to disabled and adaptive sports up to Paralympic standard, and those that may not provide the mass audience that commercial sponsorships depend upon. Qioptiq are proud to support the men and woman of our armed forces through Team Army.

About Qioptiq
Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions that serve a wide range of markets and applications in the areas of medical and life sciences, industrial manufacturing, defense and aerospace, and research and development. The company is known for its high-quality standard components, products and instruments, its custom modules and assemblies, its leading-edge innovation, its precision manufacturing and its responsive global resourcing. Through a series of acquisitions, Qioptiq has an impressive history and pedigree, and benefits from having integrated the knowledge and experience of Avimo, Gsänger, LINOS, Optem, Pilkington, Point Source, Rodenstock, Spindler & Hoyer and others. Qioptiq has a worldwide presence with locations throughout Europe, Asia and the USA, employs over 2,300 people, and generated revenues of approximately US$380 million in 2010. For more information, visit www.qioptiq.com