THE one-year countdown to Rio 2016 Olympics kicked off in style thanks to one of Team GB’s official suppliers, Accington-based Simon Jersey.

The clothing manufacturer, announced as the official clothing supplier to Team GB last year, celebrated with a fun sports themed day at Accrington Academy.

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BMX champion Liam Phillips, St Helens rugby league player Jon Wilkin and freestyle swimming world champion Fran Halsall joined around 150 members of staff and their families to take part in the ‘Simon Jersey Games’.

James Saunders, managing director, said the games were a success.

He said: “We enjoyed a fantastic day of sport and fun activities which officially marked our countdown to Rio.”

Activities included human table football and volleyball tournaments, gladiator jousting, children’s entertainers and a hog roast.

The athletes joined in and handed out medals to the winners of each event.

Liz Murphy, spokeswoman for Simon Jersey, said: “We were really lucky with the weather. Lots of people came to take part and everyone enjoyed themselves, it was a really good day.”

The company will supply British athletes with the clothing they will wear during the closing ceremony and the formal suiting athletes will wear to official events in Rio and the UK.

It is expecting around a billion people across the globe to watch the closing ceremony and see its clothing.

Mr Saunders said: “It’s amazing to think that the outfits we’re designing for Team GB will be seen by so many people.

“With just a year to go until Rio we’re getting excited and gearing up for the games and wanted to give our team and their families the chance to meet athletes who are hoping to take part.”

“We’re extremely excited to be a part of the Olympics journey for Team GB and can’t wait to follow the team on their path to success at the 2016 games, we’ve well and truly got Olympic fever.”