Ðǿմ«Ã½ is reminded of an interview we once did with a certain young person whose career would surely have belly-flopped without the backing of this sector

Tom Daley shutterstock_299424482

Source: shutterstock.com / Mitch Gunn

Construction can be a springboard for a stellar career

Talking of young talent in the construction industry, Ðǿմ«Ã½ is reminded of an interview we once did with a certain young person whose career would surely have belly-flopped without the backing of this sector, writes Deborah Duke. 

Back in 2008, a young Olympic hopeful named Tom Daley had just qualified for the Beijing Games in the individual 10m dive competition and the 10m platform synchro competition. He was – at just 14 years old – the UK’s second-youngest ever Olympian. 

But what’s that got to do with Ðǿմ«Ã½? Or, indeed, building? Well, Tom’s uncle,

Kevin Selvester, and his company the M&E specialist building services contractor, ABS, sponsored Daley for two-and-a-half years after his father’s illness meant money was tight, paying for a van for the family to travel to competitions, and flights to Beijing.

The teenage Daley expressed his gratitude for the assistance: “It has been so helpful having the sponsorship from Kevin and his company. Their funding has helped me get to Beijing in February and Mexico a few weeks ago, and I’m going to Nanjing, China, next week for the World Series.â€

Sadly Daley didn’t reach the podium in Beijing, but has since won two Olympic bronze medals. Just goes to show how far construction can take you.    

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