The Money Group is sponsoring judo athlete Ashley McKenzie ahead of his planned appearance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
McKenzie (pictured) has previously represented Team GB in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, won gold at The Commonwealth games in Glasgow and is currently ranked number one in the country.
Raised in West London, McKenzie had to overcome serious health issues as a child and was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. Both of these meant that he was often excluded from school and only when finding judo by accident at the age of 11 did he begin to find a focus in life.
Mckenzie said:”I am delighted to be associated with The Money Group and proud to call them a sponsor. I am a self-funded athlete and will have to make my own way to Tokyo so any financial assistance I receive along the way is greatly appreciated.
“Very few people get to make one Olympic Games appearance so to make three would be something I would be incredibly proud of, especially given the challenges I have faced along the way. The hard work starts now but to bring back a medal for TeamGB and all those that supported me along the way will have made all the effort worthwhile.”
Scott Thorpe , co-founder of The Money Group, said: “Ashley has an amazing story and we have recorded three podcasts which we are also launching today to give people an insight in to his background. We are also running a separate campaign alongside his sponsorship where we are looking to help secure Ashley his first home.
“Very little money gets filtered down to sports such as Judo and it is hard for athletes to fund their commitment to sport as well as their commitment to family. Hopefully we can help Ashley fulfil two of his major goals in the year ahead.”
Martin Stewart, co-founder of The Money Group, added: “We will look to take Ashley on a road trip around the country to visit brands within the group. At each venue he will run a Judo Masterclass for local children and we will be looking to get lenders and the wider industry involved at each of those events.
“We might even try and get Scott on the mat with him so if anyone wants to settle some old scores now would be a good time to get involved.”
