John's TALL story (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

John's TALL story

Basketball player John Amaechi (height 6ft 10ins) meets Vicki Morrey, (height 5ft 5ins) chief executive of Prospect, at the launch of Coporate Games at Lydiard House Ref: 99741-11SWINDON is set to receive a big helping hand after securing the services of basketball giant John Amaechi as sport patron of the 2006 Corporate Games.

The former NBA star was speaking last night at the official launch of the games at Lydiard House.

Companies from across the region joined Swindon Council and representatives of the Prospect Hospice to discuss the event, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors next June.

Mr Amaechi runs basketball training schools in Manchester and was patron of last year's games in the city.

He is confident that Swindon will reap the benefits of investment and tourism. He said: "After seeing what happened in Manchester last year, I can guarantee that Swindon will see a positive knock-on effect.

"In fact, Swindon is more likely to feel the effect than Manchester because of the size of the town."

Vicki Morrey, chief executive of Prospect, was in buoyant mood at the news that the hospice organisation would be the chosen charity of the games.

She said: "We are very honoured.

"This accolade shows that people recognise all the hard work we do."

The Mayor of Swindon, Coun Ray Fisher (Con, St Margaret), announced the surprise of the night when it was revealed that the other patron of the games would be Princess Anne.

Gavin Jones, deputy chief executive of Swindon Council, said that the sports festival would mean an injection of at least £2m into the local economy.

"We expect at least 6,000 athletes from in excess of 200 companies and organisations to participate in Swin-don," said Mr Jones.

"Most will be visiting Swindon for the first time and we want to make sure they have a great experience and discover the exciting sporting, business and tourism opportunities that exist here.

"It will be of considerable interest to hoteliers, restaurateurs, transport providers and the sports and entertainment industry as the action takes place over a long weekend providing considerable financial impact to the community."