The Co-operative Motor Group Support for Sportswoman Helen

International canoeist Helen Barnes can be assured of a smooth run on dry terrain at least, after signing a sponsorship agreement with The Co-operative Motor Group in Derby.

Helen – currently Ireland's number one female slalom canoeist and ranked fourth in Great Britain – was presented with a cool Fiat Sedici 4x4 sports utility vehicle (SUV), enabling her to travel in style and comfort along with her new branded canoe, paddles and helmet.

Frank Worboys, dealer principal for The Co-operative Motor Group Fiat at Sir Frank Whittle Road, Derby, says: "Helen is a local girl who hails from Ripley, Derbyshire, but now lives in Nottingham where she works as a supply teacher at Candleby Lane Primary School in Cotgrave.

"She's also an outstanding sportswoman who has just qualified for the Irish Team in 2007, and looks set to secure a place at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"We are very proud to be associated with her and wish her every success – both as an ambassador for Derbyshire and for The Co-operative Motor Group Fiat."

Helen, who holds the world record for the fastest time to complete 100 ‘eskimo rolls’ in a kayak – a feat which has earned her a place in the Guinness Book of Records – is now looking ahead to the first of the Olympic qualifying races at the World Championships in September.

"This season will be very exciting," she says. "The new Sedici is fab and will make it so easy for me to travel around to races and events. It's my dream to race in Beijing, and with the support of wonderful sponsors like The Co-operative Motor Group, I am confident I can make it!"

The Co-operative Motor Group has 23 dealerships across Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands, including five in Sir Frank Whittle Road, Derby and two at Ilkeston.

The new Sedici 4x4 (Italian for sixteen) – is Fiat’s first entry into the compact 4WD SUV market. It's the end product of a recent collaboration between Fiat Auto and Suzuki, with production taking place at Suzuki's advanced new Hungarian production facility.