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| Taekwondo World Record : ‘Big Blue Kick’ in London (on May 18, 2012)
KPMG Packs a Punch with Synchronized Taekwondo World Record, Raises £50,000 for Barnardo’s
Office workers at KPMG today (on May 18, 2012) became martial arts world record setters, in the largest ever synchronized taekwondo routine which took place simultaneously today at eleven locations around the country, with over 800 people taking part. As well as a world record, the net result is a projected sum of £50,000 raised for children’s charity Barnardo’s. Mike Kelly, Head of CSR at KPMG, said: “We had a fantastic response from staff who came out all around the country to set a brand new world record and raise money for an excellent cause. As well as raising money for Barnardo’s, the Big Blue Kick enabled us to demonstrate our support for GB Taekwondo in what is of course a huge year for them with the London 2012 Olympics coming up fast. It’s an amazing discipline – most of us were worn out after just a ten minute non-contact routine!” Diana Tickell, UK Director of Marketing at Barnardo’s, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by KPMG – the money raised will go towards helping the invaluable work we do with thousands of vulnerable children every day.” Steve Flynn, Commercial Manager at GB Taekwondo, said: “With so much focus on the Games this summer, it was great to be involved in an initiative that allowed so many people to access our sport for the first time and to set a World Record in the process. All this and the added benefit of valuable funds being raised for Barnardo’s. Congratulations to the staff of KPMG for their fantastic efforts and for their continued support of the GB team who I’m sure will be inspired by your success today.” Cheryl Baker added: “Today’s record breaker has been great fun, whilst raising money for a great cause. It’s been a privilege to take part.” The Big Blue Kick took place at 11.30 a.m. this morning at the following locations: London (Canary Wharf), Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading and Watford. It was officially verified as a new Guinness World Record (the greatest number of people participating in a coordinated taekwondo display – multiple venues). -ends-
Notes to editors: Media enquiries to: About KPMG KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and operates from 22 offices across the UK with over 11,000 partners and staff. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. We operate in 152 countries and have 145,000 professionals working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. KPMG International provides no client services. About Barnardo’s We believe in the potential of every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child. Every year we help thousands of children turn their lives around. But we cannot do it without you. Visit www.barnardos.org.uk to find out how you can get involved and show you believe in children. About GB Taekwondo GB Taekwondo is responsible for the preparation and performance of Britain's elite taekwondo players at major championship events including the Olympic Games. The GB Taekwondo Academy is based in Manchester where full time senior athletes train alongside our emerging junior talent. For further information on GB Taekwondo visit www.gbtaekwondo.co.uk and follow on Twitter @teamgbtaekwondo About British Taekwondo British Taekwondo is the National Governing Body for WTF Taekwondo in Great Britain. For further information on British Taekwondo visit www.britishtaekwondo.org.uk and follow on Twitter @BritTaekwondo & on Facebook www.facebook.com/BritTaekwondo The news article can be found here The You Tube video can be found here. |
