The annual Boat Races are being renamed.
In a world first, current sponsors BNY Mellon and Newton Investment Management are donating their title sponsorship of the annual challenge between Oxford and Cambridge Universities to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the official charity partner.
The famous sporting event, which takes place this year on 27th March, will now be known as The Cancer Research UK Boat Races. A new identity incorporates the famous Dark Blue of Oxford and Light Blue of Cambridge with the charity’s distinctive magenta and blue.
Vice Chairman of BNY Mellon and CEO of Investment Management Curtis Arledge said: “We are committed to ensuring our sponsorship of The Boat Races reflects our focus on meaningful investments, especially when we can leverage our sponsorship to further effect change. We are proud to be working with Cancer Research UK, whose work touches the lives of so many.
“We have the opportunity to be a sponsorship partner that genuinely changes people’s lives for the better through sport. Just as the four crews from Oxford and Cambridge will pull together to battle for glory on the water, BNY Mellon, Newton Investment Management and Cancer Research UK are pulling together to fight cancer.”
Chief Executive Officer of Newton Investment Management Helena Morrissey said: “We are delighted to be trailblazing a whole new model for corporate sponsorship. The role of business in society is clear: in addition to performing well for customers and shareholders, we can and must use our resources to help solve difficult problems. We hope this news encourages other companies around the world to follow suit and that together, we can make a genuine difference.”
Picture shows the 2016 BNY Mellon Boat Races Announcement at The OXO Tower on January 19, 2016 in London.