At Engage Consulting, our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility goes hand in hand with supporting our people, and their remarkable families too. That is why we are delighted to announce our sponsorship of Sam Speake, son of Lead Consultant David Speake, as he prepares to represent Great Britain at the Underwater Hockey Age Group World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, this July.
An Extraordinary Achievement
After 18 months of trialling and a daily strength and fitness regime set by the coaches, Sam earned his place in the Great Britain Men’s Under-19 Underwater Hockey squad. Not bad for a 15-year-old.
This summer, Sam and his teammates will travel to Istanbul to compete against squads from Australia, China, Colombia, France, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Turkey and the USA.
What Is Underwater Hockey?
Underwater hockey is played in more towns and cities across the UK than you might think, yet it remains relatively unknown. Played on the bottom of the pool, it is a six-a-side battle to push or flick a puck (similar to an ice hockey puck, but around ten times heavier) into the opposing team’s goal. It demands exceptional fitness, with intense bursts of activity performed while holding your breath. The snorkel is simply there to help players catch their breath while following the game from the surface.
You can learn more about the sport through its national governing body, the British Octopush Association.
Why Our Support Matters
Underwater hockey is entirely player-funded, meaning all travel, kit and accommodation costs for the World Championships are met by the players and their families. Our sponsorship is helping to fund Sam’s travel and accommodation, allowing him to focus on what matters: competing at the highest level, and representing Great Britain.
Sam said:
“We’ve just completed our final training camp before we board a plane to Turkey – all really exciting. Thanks so much to Engage for their support in funding travel and accommodation.”
Richard Curle, GB Men’s Squad Manager, said:
“These world championships in Istanbul are the culmination of two years’ hard work for Sam and his teammates and for GB Underwater Hockey. We are hugely grateful to organisations like Engage Consulting who are helping these young athletes represent our country against the world’s best.”
David Speake, Lead Consultant at Engage Consulting and Sam’s dad, said:
“Sam has worked so hard to earn his place in the squad. We’re incredibly proud and can’t wait to watch the team in action at this summer’s other key sporting event.”
Kevin Mitchell, Head of Operations and People at Engage Consulting, said:
“This is such a fantastic achievement by Sam, we’re so happy to be able to help him on his amazing journey with the U19 squad. Being able to help our staff and their families is a great privilege and we’ll all be rooting for Sam and his teammates in the World Championships!”
A Team Effort
Sam’s journey has been made possible by a network of generous supporters. Wightlink Ferries has kindly provided discounted ferry travel and a free gym membership to talented young Isle of Wight athletes, including Sam.
