Holiday Inn has introduced a programme to support up to 50 emerging and established British athletes including Rebecca Adlington, Victoria Pendleton, Tim Brabants and Shelly Woods in their quest for medals by providing over 1,500 free nights.

Athletes will be given free overnight stays at hotels across the IHG brand family – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites – over the next two years.  Athletes and their support teams can use the stays at any time while they are training, competing or during rest and recovery.

Other athletes benefiting include Shanaze Reade, Richard Whitehead, Becky Downie, Tom Hide and JJ Jegede who were at today’s launch in London alongside Tim Brabants.

Speaking at the launch, Shanaze Reade said:  “I expect to spend over 75 nights away from home in 2011. As I travel around the world it’s great to know that I have this support from Holiday Inn. And it’s a huge benefit to be able to use the rooms for my coaching team and family so that they can travel with me more often.“

In return for hotel rooms, participating athletes will provide unique experiences for Holiday Inn staff. They will also help to promote Holiday Inn’s role as Official Hotel Provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sir Clive Woodward, director of sport, BOA said: “All athletes understand the importance of a good night’s sleep as part of their training regime. Less well known but I feel just as important is being surrounded by their family and support team when training and competing.  Athletes spend a huge amount of time away from home each year and travelling alone puts extra pressure on them to achieve world class performances.  As London 2012 approaches athletes must not compromise in their preparations. Knowing that wherever they are in the world they can be supported by their families and coaches will give the athletes the confidence to perform at their best without worrying about the cost of travel.”

Sacha Clark, spokesperson for Holiday Inn said:  “Holiday Inn will host British athletes at hotels around the world during the next two years and in return they will help inspire our people. We’re committed to doing all we can to support the British team in their preparations for London 2012 and it’s great that our hotels can be actively involved in this way.”