Gwent sprinting icon Jamie Baulch fired the starting pistol for an initiative launched by the Welsh Sports Association which will enable organisations to help their staff and customers save thousands on everyday purchases and raise money to keep Welsh kids active.

The Welsh Sports Association, the umbrella for all national governing bodies of sport and physical recreation in Wales, has developed a programme called the Welsh Sport'ers Club.

The Sport'ers (short for Sport Supporters) Club has brought together a vast range of specially negotiated discounts, with up to 60 per cent off goods and services such as DVDs, electrical goods, bikes, gifts and holidays.

The initiative generates income for Welsh sport as organisations purchase a CD-ROM, specifically designed for the WSA, which builds a web portal that provides access to the discounts.

The Welsh Sport'ers Club CD-ROM costs £199 for organisations providing the service to up to 100 staff or customers and £499 if the number of users is higher.

A small commission is also paid to the WSA. The savings available through the Sport'ers Club range from £270 on a cruise costing £900, around £80 per person on a Center Parcs holiday, £50 off a child's bicycle and £1.49 off a £9.99 CD.

Jamie Baulch, who recently set-up a visual services company called One Vision Executive, said: "I own a company myself and understand the importance of rewarding staff and providing added value to customers. The WSA's Welsh Sport'ers Club offers an affordable way of doing both these things and, even more importantly, contributes to kids' sporting activities."

Further details of the Welsh Sport'ers Club can be obtained via www.welshsports.org.uk/sportersclub.asp or calling 029 2064 9862.