SERENA VINCENT SECURES NEW SPONSORSHIP AS OLYMPIC BID GATHERS MOMENTUM
Connect It Utility Services, the Southampton-based multi-utility provider, has announced a new sponsorship deal with Serena Vincent, one of Britain’s most promising athletics talents. The partnership underscores a growing trend of regional businesses stepping in to support elite athletes as they face rising competition costs and intensifying international schedules.
At 23, Vincent has already established herself as a major contender in European shot put. She is the reigning British Indoor Champion and currently ranks among the top 15 athletes in Europe. Her long-term ambition is clear: to secure a place on Team GB for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The backing from Connect It arrives at a pivotal moment as she competes across Europe following her transition from under-23 to senior level last year.
“The sponsorship from Connect It is incredible, and I am so grateful to be working with them,” Vincent said. “Competing across Europe is essential for my development and qualification for major championships, but it’s also expensive. This support allows me to focus fully on training and performance, knowing I have a local company backing me every step of the way.”
She added: “Reaching the Olympics has always been my ultimate goal. It would be an incredible honour to represent Great Britain on the world stage, and every competition, every training session is another step closer to making that dream a reality.”
Vincent’s route into shot put began unexpectedly in Portsmouth, where recurring childhood running injuries prompted her to try the throws—a switch that has since defined her sporting career. She now trains in Southampton under two of Britain’s most respected figures in the discipline: Mike Winch, one of the country’s leading throws coaches, and Judy Oakes, the long-standing British women’s shot-put record holder.
For Connect It Utility Services, supporting a home-grown talent aligns with its community-focused ethos. Daniel Collins, Head of Sales & Marketing, said: “Serena’s story really inspired us. Her determination, resilience, and drive to succeed reflect our own values as a business. We’re excited to support her on her journey and to watch her continue to achieve great things.”
Beyond financial backing, the partnership will see Vincent participate in community and company events throughout the year, using her story to motivate young people and promote grassroots sporting engagement across the South Coast.
With Olympic aspirations and increasing visibility on the European circuit, Vincent’s trajectory positions her as one of the UK’s most compelling athletes to watch in the coming years. Connect It’s support signals a deepening recognition of the role private sector partnerships play in helping British athletes compete at the highest levels.
