LEADING Gold Coast businessman Graeme Ingles has put his money behind an up-and-coming Gold Coast middle distance runner and has urged other business people to support young athletes.

Mr Ingles is helping to pay travel costs for 12 year old cross country and 800m state champion Jade Brandt.

Jade’s mother Linda Brandt said Jade, who won the state championships for the Under 12s last year and is in training for the Little Athletics State Championship in March, would not be able to attend as many events as she did without the support from the Ingles Group.

``We did five trips last year and when you are paying for the travel yourself, you can only do so much,’’ said Ms Brandt.

``It gets very expensive and there is almost no incentive for the kids to go on. Athletes can’t even start to think about sports funding until they reach elite standards, so we really need to find some other form of support.

``The Ingles Group has been a terrific help for us.’’

Ms Brandt said she wrote to Mr Ingles for help after seeing details of another sponsorship in the Coomera Anglican College school newsletter.

Jade, from Oxenford in the Gold Coast’s northern suburbs, now trains twice a week under the guidance of sports specialists at the Gold Coast City track at Griffith University.

Mr Ingles, who controls one of Australia’s largest privately owned development companies, said it was an honour to support Jade’s efforts.

However, he said more business people should be willing to help young athletes.

``Australians pride themselves on our sporting abilities but in athletics the juniors get very little support,’’ said Mr Ingles.

``Because of the nature of the sport there can be extensive travel and a lot of expense involved as the athletes advance through the ranks.

``This is when we should be doing more to help, so that Australia can produce more Olympic champions in track and field events.

``I have found our support of Jade very rewarding and I would urge other business people to put their hands in their pockets and help out our potential world champions.’’

BACKGROUND

THE Ingles Group of companies has developed or has under development, projects worth in the vicinity of $1 billion. Falling under the umbrella of Ingles Group (Qld) Pty Ltd is Ingles Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd, which is a member of the Queensland Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association and holds a BSA Gold Card.

In 2006 Ingles Group posted more than $60 million in sales, sold out of a 700-home community on the Gold Coast, almost sold out of another at Gladstone, and is now commencing a further three more residential estates.

For further information contact Marshall Hall on 0404 195 896 or marshall@barepublicity.com.au