Boxing since 10-years-old, Sheffield-born Joe Rogers, now 18, is believed to have what it takes to take him all the way to the 2012 Olympics and, with sponsorship from the Mears Future Champions Community Programme all Joe needs to do is focus on his dream. Currently training and sparring with the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABA) squad, he is well on his way to achieve his goal with his coach believing "his extraordinary talent will impress selectors and secure him a place on the side with the potential for being a 2012 athlete." Joe remained undefeated in the 2007/2008 amateur boxing season beating 23 year-old Canadian champion earlier in the year. Recently Rogers took part in a men's regional boxing competition staged at the Colley Workingmen's club in Sheffield. He was up against 24 year-old Gary Reay of East Durham. Reay who is ranked second in the country and was last year's senior ABA finalist beat Rogers by just one point in the final. Although it was a close finish and Rogers lost out by a majority decision of the three judges, his coach believes that this experience will hold the young boxer in good stead as Rogers now knows he can take on the best and is looking forward to competing in the senior ABA's for the first time this coming April. Joe's coach said after the fight: "It was a good fight and Joe was not out of place fighting a very experienced man who has over 70 bouts to his name and is ranked number 2 in the country. "Joe won the NABC National title at 57kg class in 2007 and the 60Kg National champion this year, now he's had a taste of the top class senior's he's confident he can win titles at the very top before going on to compete for his country. This last contest has made him more determine and will give him the hunger to achieve his goal."
The Mears Group Future Champions Programme currently provides support to 16 sporting individuals across the country. The aim is to help people, in communities within which the company operates, achieve their dreams and aspirations, whether this is helping an individual reach the Olympic and Common Wealth Games or supporting local amateur sports teams. "Joe first contacted Mears in 2005," explains Kevin Rhone, Regional Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Mears. "His talent, dedication and enthusiasm for boxing are extremely contagious and it has been a pleasure to be able to support him in achieving his aspirations. From purchasing equipment through to organising for him to meet his idols, including Ricky Hatton Amir Khan and Barry McGuigan, it is great to see him continue working towards his goal." ENDS About Mears Future Champions Programme criteria
- Young athletes aged between11-20
- Athletes must be living in a community where Mears is working
- Already showing signs of excellence (or approaching national standard), in an Olympic sport
- Has a personality that could inspire others
Mears will
- Provide financial support to a maximum of £2,000 (per year)
- Provide work experience, where appropriate
- Provide any other support that Mears can (e.g. mentoring, support with education equipment)
Mears is currently supporting 16 future champions nationwide.
About Mears Mears Group is the leading social housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK and has a growing presence in the domiciliary care market (delivered through Careforce). In addition, Mears has a strong presence in mechanical and engineering through Haydon. The company employs more than 6000 people to maintain, repair and upgrade people's homes and conduct work to improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK. Mears focuses on the provision of social housing within the community sector and carries out more than 3,000 repairs each day to 500,000 houses nationwide. Mears also provides over 85,000 hours of domiciliary care each week to over 13,000 people per year. With a forward order book of over £1billion, Mears has secured long-term contracts with Local Authorities and Registered Social Housing Landlords. Issued on behalf of Mears Group by Montpellier PR. For further editorial information please contact: Philip Hicks, email: phil@montpelliergroup.com or Lisa Pringle, email: lisa@montpelliergroup.comMontpellier PRTel: 01242 262 977