Nuffield Health has been announced as the Official Health and Wellbeing Partner of The 2015 BNY Mellon Boat Races.

It is the first time that the not for profit healthcare provider has partnered the historic event, which pitches Oxford against Cambridge on the iconic stretch of London's River Thames between Mortlake and Putney.

Also for the first time, the Men's teams will be joined on the Tideway by The Newton Women's Boat Race – for the seventieth race.

Ian Smyth, Group Chief Brand Officer at Nuffield Health, said: "The Oxford Cambridge Boat Race is a sporting institution watched by millions, and we are delighted to be on board, especially in the year that sees the Women given joint billing. To be involved with these four elite squads of athletes and to be part of sporting history is a real privilege".

"As an organisation dedicated to health and wellbeing of people in the UK, we want to actively encourage people to take part in sporting activities like rowing, whether out on the water or just using fitness equipment.

"We are genuinely excited to be involved with The BNY Mellon Boat Races, and believe the partnership is a great fit for Nuffield Health".

David Searle, Executive Director, Boat Race Company Limited, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Nuffield Health as a new Partner to The BNY Mellon Boat Races. Nuffield Health will use the Races to help widen participation in sport and promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle".

Image credit: own work (Katie Chan) CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), via Wikimedia Commons