Global I.T. company Ricoh have been appointed as the Official Supplier of paper, fax machines and photocopiers to UK Athletics’ televised events.

Ricoh are the number one manufacturer of black & white digital office copier-printers in the UK and Europe and have committed a substantial cash plus value-in-kind package to support the major domestic events over the next three years.

The deal represents an improvement on the previous arrangement.

Marc Hope, Head of New Business for Fast Track – the sports marketing agency for UK Athletics – believes that Ricoh will offer first-class support to the BBC televised programme:

‘Ricoh’s three-year commitment is great news for athletics and again shows the appeal of the sport to blue-chip sponsors. There are still excellent opportunities to become involved in the seven BBC televised events this year which offer great profile in the build-up to this summer’s Olympic Games’

Richard De Lay, Head of Marketing with Ricoh UK is very pleased to be involved with major domestic track and field events:

‘Ricoh is delighted to have signed this three year sponsorship deal with UK Athletics to help support the growing public interest in the sport. The recent winning performances of athletes, such as Paula Radcliffe, have fuelled a growth in athletics audiences nationwide and we hope that our logistical support can help build on this momentum in the run up to Athens 2004 and beyond.’

The 2004 UK:Athletics televised events are as follows:

24 January: Norwich Union International, Glasgow

7/8 February: Norwich Union World Trials & AAA, Sheffield

30 February: Norwich Union Grand Prix, Sheffield

27 June: Norwich Union British Grand Prix, Gateshead

9/10/11 July: Norwich Union Olympic Trials & AAA, Manchester

25 July: Norwich Union International, Birmingham

30 July: Norwich Union London Grand Prix, London

For more information, contact:

Marc Hope at Fast Track – Tel: 020 7932 1700