4J Studios extend their sponsorship for Awards and track and field to 2026

Thursday 9th December 2021

scottishathletics are thrilled to confirm a new sponsorship agreement extension with 4J Studios – which will run to the end of 2026.

Following discussions between 4J Studios and our chief executive, Colin Hutchison, a five-year extension has been agreed continuing support from 4J Studios for both scottishathletics indoor and outdoor track and field seasons and the annual awards dinner.

Entrepreneurs Paddy Burns and Chris van der Kuyl, who lead 4J Studios and its associated investment arm Chroma Ventures, first became involved in athletics via Team East Lothian before then agreeing to support scottishathletics.

It was announced in May 2019 that 4J Studios would sponsor our National Academy for four years and the partnership was then widened to take in championship events in track and field and the 4J Studios Annual Awards Dinner for a two-year period (2020 and 2021).

‘We’re absolutely delighted to confirm a long-term sponsorship with 4J Studios, who are world leaders in game development,’ said Colin.

‘The support Paddy and Chris have given to athletics in Scotland in recent years has been tremendous and we are thrilled to continue to have their backing.

scottishathletics chief executive Colin Hutchison is delighted with new sponsorship deal (photo by Bobby Gavin)

‘I’m pleased because the continuity and assurance that this agreement gives us allows us to plan with confidence as we continue to navigate the pandemic and evolve athletics in Scotland.

‘From their initial involvement in supporting Team East Lothian, to their significant contribution to developing young athletes in the National Academy and supporting track and field events nationally, Paddy and Chris are playing a crucial role in supporting the sport.

‘In the summer we added more live streaming to the track and field championships, and the support of 4J Studios helps us to innovate and modernise in addition to facilitating existing aspects of the championships and Annual Awards.

‘Under the new agreement, we will have five 4J Indoor Seasons from early 2022 through to 2026, five outdoor seasons and five more 4J Studios Annual Awards Dinners towards the autumn of each year from 2022 to 2026.

‘We very much look forward to continuing to work with 4J Studios and fully appreciate their support.’

Paddy Burns with 4J Para Athlete of the Year Owen Miller and Guest of Honour Jo Pavey at the 4J Annual Awards in October (photo by Bobby Gavin)

‘scottishathletics make a valuable contribution to the national sporting scene and we are proud to support their efforts to make track and field facilities more accessible to aspiring athletes across the country,’ said Paddy Burns, 4J Studios chief executive.

‘We hope that formalising our support over this extended period will give the organisation the security it needs to plan for seasons ahead and invest in the events that provide our rising stars with an opportunity to sharpen their competitive instincts.

‘We applaud the hard work of the scottishathletics team throughout the pandemic and look forward to seeing it continue over the next five years.’

BACKGROUND . . .

4J Studios agree National Academy sponsorship in May 2019

4J Studios to sponsor Track and Field and our Annual Awards

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Tags: 4J Annual Awards, 4J Studios, Chris van der Kuyl, Colin Hutchison, Paddy Burns