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Today, Coop Pank entered into a three-year sponsorship deal with the Estonian Athletic Association (EAA) in support of the country’s decathletes, foremost among them being Johannes Erm. In the immediate term, this endorsement will bolster the athletes as they compete in the European Championships and at the Olympic Games.

Margus Rink, the chairman of the management board of Coop Pank, says the world of sport and the world of business have much in common. “Every success, every victory, however big or small, is the result of hard work and focus,” he remarked. “The Estonian athletics team shares values we rate highly here in the bank. They radiate dedication and the drive to make their dreams come true.” It was for this reason that the bank decided to help the Estonian athletics team and its decathletes focus on the European Championships in Rome and the Olympics in Paris in order for them to do their best in the competitions.

Rink says rising star Johannes Erm is one of the main targets of Coop Pank’s support: the decathlete earned a bronze medal for Estonia at the recent World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. “It’s such an amazing feeling when you see your fellow countrymen standing there on the podium,” he said. “We want Johannes to be able to fully focus on the competitions ahead of him – hence the sponsorship deal. Elite athletes set an example to kids, showing them just how far determination can take you and what it means to work hard to achieve your dreams.”

Johannes Erm expressed his thanks for the support and said it was an honour for any athlete to be recognised. “Decathlon’s at a really high level in Estonia, and without backing it’s almost impossible to reach the top of the sport or stay there once you do,” he explained. “I’m aiming to bring medals home from Rome and Paris, and Coop Pank’s support will help make that possible.”

EAA president Erich Teigamägi says this sporting year offers an assortment of challenges. “I’m delighted that we’re partnering with Coop Pank at this particular point in time, with the European Championships in Rome just around the corner,” he said. “The bank wants to support our decathletes in taking part in high-level competitions, and Johannes in particular in achieving what he’s setting out to do.”