Global insurance broker Aon Corp. yesterday kicked off its four-year shirt sponsorship of Manchester United with a programme of global charity initiatives designed to promote youth development and healthier communities.

The sponsorship, intially announced a year ago, and a charity campaign were launched at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium by executives of Aon and United, along with United legends Sir Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson.

The company, which has substantial offices in Hamilton, will hold an "Aon United Day" on July 15.

This will involve Aon's global colleagues in over 120 countries participating in fundraising and volunteer activities, including supporting hundreds of schools, children's hospitals, orphanages and community centres as well as more well-known organisations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Club, to which Aon will contribute in Bermuda.

"Based on our shared values of leadership, teamwork, and a passion for excellence, it is difficult to imagine a stronger fit for Aon than Manchester United," said Greg Case, president and chief executive officer of Aon Corporation. "Through the global charitable initiatives of Aon's 36,000 colleagues, we will work with our partners at Manchester United and the Manchester United Foundation to promote these values and create positive opportunities for young people, to enable them to thrive and to help improve their communities."

David Gill, CEO of Manchester United, said: "This event is an indication of how Aon is committed to developing the partnership way beyond a simple commercial arrangement.

"In the coming years, I hope we will be able to build a tangible legacy for the Manchester United community both here in the north west and further afield.

"I am delighted that Aon wants to get its whole worldwide workforce involved. I'm sure it will really bring the sponsorship to life for many of them."

To mark the start of the sponsorship, the first charity event involved more than 150 of Aon's Manchester-based colleagues and their families, who participated in a Penalty Kick Challenge at Old Trafford for the Manchester-based The Christie charity - one of England's leading cancer centres which treats more than 40,000 patients a year.