by Anton Johan
Betfair and the British Athletes Commission have signed a sponsorship deal whereby Betfair will assist BAC on a practical level in raising awareness about betting related issues in sport.
BAC which is an independent body which represents the interests of athletes in Great Britain has signed a three year contract with Betfair online betting company.
BAC has chosen Betfair as its first official sponsor and plans to use information from Betfair to educate athletes about the potential problems that could arise by increased betting on high level sports events.
The two organisations are planning to focus on Olympic and Paralympic and other world class events. They wish to educate athletes regarding what role they can play in preventing corruption in sports and sports betting.
Betfair will be providing BAC with material and educational matter which will help put the message across to the professional athletes.
Pete Gardner, Chief Executive of the BAC said: "The BAC is delighted to announce Betfair as its first official sponsor, their support will be vital in ensuring athletes receive a key stand in their ongoing education, as Olympic and Paralympics sport becomes ever more professional."
"We are delighted to be working with the BAC," said David Yu, Chief Executive of Betfair. "It is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of sport. We have seen that there are very few integrity issues when betting on sport is entirely transparent and when sportsmen and women understand the rules in place and penalties for breaking them."
Both parties agreed that this type of education and awareness is an essential part of preparing the country's athletes towards the 2012 Olympics in Britain.
