Earlier this year thousands of SSE customers entered a competition for a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and cycle with Olympic legend and SSE Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy at the London Olympic Velodrome. Of those who entered a lucky 32 SSE customers were selected for the event at the Lee Valley Velopark for a unique lesson in track cycling with the six-time Olympic champion.
At the event on Friday 7 November, Sir Chris Hoy, accompanied by professional coaches David Le Grys and Pete Mitchell, not only took to the track with the competition winners but hosted an intimate question and answer session as well as posing for photographs and giving autographs.
SSE customer Andrew Pirie revealed he couldn’t believe it when he found out he had won the chance to meet his hero.
The 37-year-old said: “I entered the competition on the SSE website because it was the chance of a lifetime. When I got the call to tell me that I had won I just couldn’t believe it!
“On a personal level it’s made a huge difference for me. It was my first time on the track and Sir Chris and the coaches were so helpful, taking the time to explain everything and encouraged us to really enjoy it, which I did!”
20-year-old Albert Townley received an early Christmas present from his aunt, Karen Boon who gave her winning spot to him. “I was very shocked when she told me that I would be cycling with Sir Chris on the velodrome where he won gold medals in London 2012.
“The whole day was surreal but amazing. I am a keen road cyclist and meeting the coaches and Sir Chris has motivated me to work really hard and pursue my dream of becoming a professional cyclist.”
SSE Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy believes giving back is essential to encouraging people to maintain healthy lifestyles and inspire the next generation. “For an energy company to put on an event like this is rare and shows they are serious about making a difference and maintaining their commitment to helping the next generation of sporting stars.
“It’s a special day for everyone involved including the family of those who came along to watch their loved ones, as well as the people who got to experience the velodrome for the first time and cycle - it was an amazing day.”