British speed skating star Jon Eley has his sights firmly set on bringing back a medal from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and is being supported all the way by a city accountancy firm.
Mr Eley, from Solihull, narrowly missed out on a medal in the shorttrack speed skating at the 2006 Olympics in Turin and is determined to make up for the disappointment in the event taking place in Canada.
To help with his preparations for the games the 25-year-old former Hall Green School student has secured sponsorship from Chantrey Vellacott DFK, which has offices on the Hagley Road in Birmingham and is one of the top 25 accountancy practices in the UK.
Mr Eley, who won a silver medal at the European Championships in Germany last month and will be taking on the world’s best over 1,000m and 500m in Vancouver, said: “The equipment I use is pretty expensive. My boots are custom made and cost over £1,000 and Iíve also got a couple of pairs of blades which are £200 each so any help I can get makes a big difference.
“Preparations have gone really well and I feel really strong and will be going all out to win a medal,” he added.
Chantrey Vellacott DFK partner Nick Simkins, pictured with Mr Eley, will be one of six of his family cheering him on in Canada and is delighted his firm could provide his nephew with financial support.
“We work with a lot of clients in the sport and leisure field and are keen to support local sportsmen and women when ever we can,” he said. “Jon did really well to win a medal at the European Championships and everyone at Chantrey Vellacott DFK will be keeping a close eye on his progress at the Olympics and wish him all the best.”
