Netball Olympic Bid

The Co-operative has announced further backing for the netball Olympic bid campaign by unveiling a new website - www.netballolympicbid.com - along with its own 'Back the Bid' initiative.

The website and logo was unveiled at The Co-operative Netball Superleague 2008/2009 official launch in Exchange Square, Manchester.

The 'Back the Bid' website is set to become the central point for the campaign, and contains background details and the latest news, alongside messages of support from various celebrities including Dame Kelly Holmes, Bryan Robson and rugby league stars Jon Wilkin and Robbie Paul.

The new logo will be integrated into all activity and be present on court during televised games on Sky Sports.

The bid to have netball included in The Olympics has gained momentum since England star Eboni Beckford-Chambers started the campaign with her facebook group 'Bid to get netball in the 2012 Olympics" - the group now has nearly 30,000 members. Recent in-store activity from The Co-operative has added another 235,000 people in support of the campaign.

Debbie Robinson, Director of Food Retail Marketing at The Co-operative, said: "The Co-operative is fully behind the bid to have netball included in the Olympics, and we're pleased to be able to give the bid its own identity.

"The website provides a central point for everyone to keep up to speed with the campaign as it really starts to gather momentum.

"We're gaining support from all of the major netball playing nations including Australia and New Zealand, and obviously the internet breaks down any boundaries in distance for people to show their support.

"Netball is a community based sport which ties in perfectly with The Co-operative's brand values, and we're passionate that it should be played at the Olympic Games."

People can register their support to netball's Olympic bid by visiting www.netballolympicbid.com