Active Lancashire and the School Games Organiser Network run the games throughout the academic year, and SPAR is sponsoring the Games for the 17th year. Schoolchildren from across Lancashire were greeted at the launch by the SPAR mascot who was on hand to pose for photographs.
The guest speaker was retired former England hockey star Charlotte Hartley who shared her professional career story with all present at the launch. There was also an inspiring personal account from School Games Ambassador Kieran Tait on the positive impact of the Games on him.
Children and school staff were then taken on a full tour of the James Hall & Co. warehouse and were treated to a SPAR branded lunch. Niels Dekkers, Retail Development Director at James Hall & Co. said: “It was a pleasure to host the launch of the SPAR Lancashire School Games at our Preston depot. It is the first time we have been able to do this in several years due to the pandemic.
“In alignment with our brand values, we are proud to place SPAR’s name in support of the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles across Lancashire through the Games, particularly among the younger population.”
In 2022-23, the SPAR Lancashire School Games will continue to help young people recover from the effects of the pandemic. The Games will culminate with a celebration finale held in Blackpool’s Stanley Park in July.
The 2021-22 Lancashire School Games engaged more than 21,000 children across the academic year. It was the first time in three years that a full programme of activities was able to take place because of the pandemic.
Source: SPAR UK
The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. As a result, there are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.
SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners continue to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.