The University of Leeds Conferences and Events team is proud to have hosted the prestigious UK Corporate Games 2024, the largest multi-sport festival for businesses. Held from 25 – 28 July 2024, the event drew participants and companies from across the UK to Leeds, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture.

All photos: Dave Worrall photography

Sam Glenister-Batey, Deputy Director of Commercial and Business Development at the University of Leeds, remarked on the collaborative effort:

“Hosting the UK Corporate Games 2024 was a testament to the University’s ability to come together as one. From our Conferences and Events team to our Sports and Physical Activity colleagues, Catering teams, Health and Wellbeing and many others, we demonstrated how effective collaboration can lead to the successful delivery of such a large-scale event. It was truly a University-wide effort and we’re immensely proud of the result.”

The Games saw over 70 companies descend upon the University campus, creating a buzzing atmosphere throughout the event. The University’s commitment to health and wellbeing was evident in its support for staff participation, funding entry fees and organising numerous taster sessions and training opportunities. These initiatives were exceptionally well-received, with 178 staff members signing up across 16 different sports, surpassing the initial target of 115 participants.

Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport and Physical Activity, highlighted the significance of the event from a sporting perspective:

“The UK Corporate Games provided an excellent platform to showcase our world-class sporting facilities. We were particularly excited to host our first large-scale sporting event at the Bodington Football Hub. The feedback on these facilities has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re confident this success will pave the way for many more prestigious sporting events in the future.”

The University’s investment in its sporting facilities, including the newly refurbished gym at the Edge, the Bodington Football Hub, the Brownlee Centre and Sports Park Weetwood, proved instrumental in delivering a top-tier experience for all participants.

One of the University’s netball participants shared their experience:

“Getting involved with the Corporate Games has been fantastic. The training sessions leading up to the event helped me rediscover my love for netball and connect with fellow players. The Games themselves were incredibly fun and well-organised. I’m thrilled that these sessions will continue, providing an ongoing opportunity for us to stay active and connected.”

The success of the taster sessions and training programmes has led to their continuation, allowing staff to attend during work hours and promoting a culture of health and wellbeing within the University.

The UK Corporate Games 2024 not only fostered camaraderie and teamwork among professionals but also strengthened the University’s position as a premier venue for large-scale sporting events.

For those interested in participating in next year’s UK Corporate Games, please contact the UK Corporate Games for more information.

The University of Leeds extends its gratitude to all participants, organisers and staff members who contributed to making the UK Corporate Games 2024 an outstanding success.