Claire Gardner appointed Business Development Manager of The Little Champs Academy

The Little Champs Sports Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Claire Gardner as Business Development Manager. The Academy, established in 1996, educates 2-7 year olds through sport and play.

Now in its eighth year of operation, the five Little Champs Academies located in Gauteng are actively nurturing the gross motor education of more than 3500 children. This Proudly South African business has an holistic view to developing these children. It has an accredited coaching curriculum which includes a lifeskills component that focuses on developing self-esteem, individual growth and concepts such as sharing and ubuntu. Little Champs also has a strong business network with Corporate Investors such as the JD Group as well as key associations with Ster-Kinekor, Childline, and The African Children's Feeding Scheme.

Gardner, the former Senior Publicity Manager for Ster-Kinekor, steps into the role on June 7th 2004, where she will head up all of LCSA's Business Development initiatives. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the fields of media relations, publicity, and television programming. The key to Gardner's success thus far has been her ability to handle several diverse projects simultaneously, be it project managing for international superstars such as Samuel L Jackson or designing and executing carefully structured national media campaigns. "The shift to a business environment gives me the opportunity to create strategic relationships with a company that is intrinsic to the development of children," says Gardner. "I have always had a passion for children's education, so this is a perfect match for me. Little Champs has already developed a solid reputation as a brand and a product, and I'm looking forward to driving the company into several new markets while enhancing relationships with our existing client base."

Lauren Radomsky, LCSA Technical Director who oversees the delivery of the first class coaching program says that "over the last 3 years we've developed Academies in Alexandra, Duduza, and Dobsonville and I believe Claire is the catalyst we've been looking for to implement our vision of establishing Academies across the country."

"It is the mission of LCSA to be the leading sports academy and brand that educates children through sport, and regenerates previously disadvantaged communities", says Community Development Manager Herbert Milanzi. "Claire has already played a very important role in the lives of our Little Champs in Alexandra, by showing movies to children who have never been to a cinema. I am very excited about her joining us, she will be an important part of a great team."