Corporate legal challenge to be played out in Melbourne
14 November 2003
One of the Asia Pacific's leading law firms and one of the world's top sports management companies have combined to mount a unique legal challenge against the Melbourne business community, including Channel 7 and Australia Post.
The Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup will allow novice and experienced athletes in organisations around the city to take on business rivals and colleagues in a triathlon to win corporate glory.
Held as part of the IMG Triathlon Series, the February 29 race at Elwood beach in Melbourne will allow corporate teams to race a range of triathlon distances and events.
The winning corporate will receive a specially commissioned trophy.
'While business people get to race alongside some of Australia's elite athletes as part of the IMG Triathlon series, the Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup is more about encouraging desk jockeys to have a go,' said Allens Arthur Robinson managing partner Tom Poulton.
Competitors can do anything from an Olympic distance triathlon through to a 4km run as part of a team in the shorter sprint series triathlon, with the Corporate Cup's motto being 'You're stronger than you think'.
'Our firm has been part of Melbourne for more than 150 years. It's a city that loves a challenge and loves its sport, and the Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup aims to bring those qualities together in an event that will appeal to a wide range of the business community,' said Mr Poulton.
Channel 7 presenter Jennifer Adams will be competing in the Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup. She says she is looking forward to this summer's triathlon series.
'Triathlons are about persistence and determination and daring to have a go,' she says. 'It's also important to have a healthy and fit life because it makes you feel so much better in other areas of life.'
Australia Post manager Ron Clifft, a regular competitor in corporate triathlon events, is looking forward to the challenge of the Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup.
Aged 58 and having undergone a total knee reconstruction, Ron says there's nothing like having a go and seeing what you can achieve.
'You certainly wake up with a few aches and pains but the more you do it, the quicker they go away. You can't go up and compete with the big boys any more, but you can do it in your own age group,' he says.
The Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup is open to both individuals and teams, with a choice of two distances: sprint (400m/10km/4km) or Olympic distance (1500m/40km/10km). It will be held at Elwood beach in Melbourne on 29 February, 2004.
The official launch of the Allens Arthur Robinson Corporate Cup will be held at the Allens Arthur Robinson offices, 530 Collins St, from 6-8pm on Tuesday, 25 November. Media who would like to attend should contact Melinda Brown on 0422 008 375.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
- Melinda WoledgeCommunications Editor,
Melbourne
Ph: +61 3 9613 8160
Melinda.Woledge@aar.com.au
Notes for editors.
Founded in 1822, Allens Arthur Robinson offers one of the most comprehensive legal networks in Australia and Asia with more than 1500 personnel based in 14 cities and eight countries across the region. Clients voted Allens Arthur Robinson the Best Professional Services Firm (revenue over $200 million) and Best Law Firm (revenue over $100 million) in the annual BRW Client Choice Awards 2005, 2006 and 2008. We have been an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women since 2004.
In 2001, Allens Arthur Robinson and UK-based Slaughter and May entered into a 'best friends' relationship in the non-Japan Asia Pacific region. This means that the firms can jointly pitch and carry out work in the region while retaining their own independence. They are currently working on a three billion pound energy project in Thailand.
