NI’s leading dairy business Dale Farm has ‘vaulted’ to new Olympic heights having been chosen as the dairy supplier to the Chinese gymnastics team while they prepare for the games in Northern Ireland. The team, which has been training in Salto Gymnastics Centre Lisburn, has been enjoying Dale Farm’s Spelga fat-free yogurt and semi-skimmed milk on a daily basis as part of its strict nutritional programme.
Having picked up a host of gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the Chinese team is firmly in the world’s media spotlight bringing acclaim to the excellent training facilities, hospitality and local produce of Northern Ireland – including Dale Farm.

As well as supporting the international hopefuls, Dale Farm has played a strong part in aiding young local athletes in their Olympic journey through its Dale Farm ‘2012 Dreams’ Sports Award. A £5,000 bursary – the largest individual bursary available in NI – is awarded each year to an elite athlete pursuing international recognition. Recipients include London 2012 hopefuls’ boxer Paddy Barnes, judo contender Lisa Kearny and this year’s winner triathlete Aileen Morrison.

Brian Beattie from Dale Farm said “The Chinese Gymnastics team are renowned for excellence, so we’re delighted that they have chosen Dale Farm products to fuel them in their journey. Supporting local sport and active lifestyles has always been at the heart of our business – most notably through our Sports Award which has provided over £30,000 worth of bursaries to young athletes since 2007.

We want to wish the Chinese Gymnastics team and all our home grown athletes the very best of luck at the upcoming games. It’s great to think that our products have helped fuel the world’s elite and might just help get them on to the podium!”