Staff from a Brighton Marina casino relished teaming up with some of Britain’s most promising young athletes and Olympic hero Etienne Stott for a day of white-water rafting.  

Nine staff members from Caesar’s casino Rendezvous Brighton roared down rapids at Lee Valley White Water Centre, an Olympic venue, with 2012 gold medallist Stott in support.

Caesar’s enjoy a fruitful partnership with charity SportsAid, supporting Britain’s most promising young athletes on their road towards Team GB.

Employee Nicky Reynolds, who lives in Worthing, revelled in the chance to visit an Olympic venue, taking part in raft-building in the morning and competitive racing in the afternoon.

“It was competitive but all good fun and great to get the teams together,” said the 42-year-old.

“We needed a few pointers in terms of building the boats but we got there in the end.

“It was my first time at a London 2012 venue and it was brilliant to have an Olympian with us.

“It was quite a privilege and good to have a role in the partnership between SportsAid and Caesar’s.

“It’s a good cause and you can see how well Team GB has progressed in the last few years.”

Caesar’s employees took young SportsAid athletes under their wing, with cricketer Georgie Boyce, boxer Connor Tudsbury and wheelchair basketballer Christy Gregan in attendance.

The Lee Valley venue holds golden memories for Stott, who entered the sporting pantheon with gold four years ago alongside Tim Baillie.

Having received SportsAid funding earlier in his career, Stott extolled the virtues of the charity and the support it offers young athletes at a crucial stage in their development.

“It was a memorable day and the teams did better at building rafts than I expected,” said the 39-year-old.

“The Caesar’s employees who support SportsAid got to have close contact with the athletes and perhaps in the future, they’ll follow them all the way to the Olympics.

“SportsAid is an amazing organisation because it gives young athletes vital support and encouragement at an important stage in their careers.”

Caesars Entertainment EMEA is helping young athletes at SportsAid by giving them recognition and financial support during the critical formative years of their careers. For more information, please visit www.caesars.co.uk