AAGDS joins list of RAF Sport partners to reignite post-Covid activity

Air September 9, 2021

The RAF Sport team has announced Atlantic Aviation Group Defence Services (AAGDS) as its latest partner to further reignite sporting activity across the Royal Air Force (RAF) following its pandemic suspension.

The aerospace and defence company, based at RAF Brize Norton, is supporting a range of sports including rugby union, golf, cricket and motorsports. It will also focus support for smaller sports to drive participation and inclusion. The partnerships of organisations such as AAGDS play a fundamental part in underpinning the 80+ sporting disciplines in the Service, contributing to the abilities and health and wellbeing of Service Personnel.

All sport in the RAF was ceased in Spring 2020 as the pandemic hit. Only now, 16 months later, is activity beginning to recover properly. Sport and physical activity is a fundamental aspect of RAF life so its suspension left a significant hole. Despite this, personnel have continued to keep active, managed the uncertainty and generally maintained their wellbeing as best as possible in the circumstances.

Sport plays a crucial part in ensuring the positive mental and physical wellbeing of Service personnel – whether it’s a solo jog on a wet Tuesday night or competitive Inter-Service sport. Sport in the RAF is also proven to improve personnel’s decision-making skills, endurance and team management. It is partnerships like AAGDS that ensure sport continues to make that impact, from stations to international and Olympic levels.

Air Commodore Rich Fogden, Director of RAF Sport said: “Thousands of Service personnel play sport in the RAF so having to suspend it was a big loss. The last 16 months have been hugely challenging in a myriad ways, many of which have highlighted the importance of sport and physical activity to individuals and organisations. The RAF is no different to any other in this regard”.

“We are delighted to welcome AAGDS as a new sponsor and partner of all RAF Service personnel and their families. All of us in RAF Sport look forward to working closely with them as we drive towards the RAF Sport vision of providing recognised, resourced and rewarding sport for all. There is no doubt that timing with the resumption of sport in the RAF could not be better.”

Steve Cloran, President of AAGGDS said: “As proud partners to the RAF Sport Team, we look forward to playing our part by supporting the services vast sporting activities, its personnel, their families and the wider community.

“As a company, we have a strategic focus on our people, from career development to the health and wellbeing of our staff. Understanding and supporting the RAF in delivering their vision for sport to its talented teams and community is closely aligned to our core values of a company, making this a natural and fulfilling partnership for AAG Defence Services.

“Our facility at Brize Norton has a long standing and proud history of maintaining A400M aircraft. We look forward to further strengthen this relationship by supporting the great work of RAF Sports.”

Sport in the RAF is moving towards pre-pandemic levels from grassroots participation, station level activity and the 51 sports associations. In total, over 80 sports are played, funded in the main by charitable contributions and sponsorship. The RAF also have 13 elite-level personnel including Team GB men’s hockey Olympian Liam Sanford and Paralympian tri-athlete guide Luke Pollard representing the Service in Tokyo.

Rich Fogden continued: “Increasing resources to further grow RAF Sport will only help inspire others to achieve the same heights as some of our athletes such as Liam and Luke. As is the case with both, it all starts with ensuring access for the many and not the few – AAGDS’s partnership will help many to take that step.”

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AAGDS Atlantic Aviation Group Defence Services RAF Sport