One of the longest sponsorships in British sport is to continue into a 21st year.
Japanese sports goods company Yonex has agreed to renew its title sponsorship of the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships for a further three years taking it through to March 2004.
The ‘Yonex All England’ is the premier event in the World Grand Prix Badminton Circuit and attracts the best players from around the world to Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena (NIA) every year.
Commenting on his company’s continued support of the Championships, Yonex Chairman Minoru Yoneyma said ‘The Yonex Company is delighted to renew its title sponsorship of the Yonex All England. I am personally very proud to be able to continue to support the world’s most prestigious badminton tournament for what will be twenty-one consecutive years which represents one fifth of the Championship’s long and distinguished history.
‘Throughout our period of sponsorship we have always endeavoured to adopt the philosophy of the Yonex Company namely, to contribute to the world of sport by providing the best quality products and service and to develop the game of badminton at all levels.
‘I have the utmost respect for the way that the BA of E has maintained the Championship’s premium position. I have every confidence that this will continue and it is my intention to carry on supporting what is, and will always be, the world’s best tournament. The Yonex Company wishes every success to the Championships, the BA of E and to badminton fans everywhere.’
Badminton Association of England Chief Executive Stephen Baddeley, a former singles semi-finalist in the event, commented ‘The renewal of the All-England title sponsorship contract with Yonex is excellent news for the All-England and for world badminton. In a difficult international climate this agreement guarantees the future of the World’s No. 1 badminton tournament. ‘
When Yonex succeeded John Player as title sponsors in 1984 the championships took place at Wembley Arena, transferring to the NIA ten years later.
Denmark’s Morten Frost won the second of his four men’s singles titles and Li Lingwei of China won the ladies’ singles championship for the first time. England had winners in the mixed doubles in Martin Dew and Gillian Gilks.
The ‘All England’ began in 1899 and has continued with breaks for two world wars making next year’s championships the 92nd. In the first year only doubles was played with singles added in 1900.
The 2002 championships take place from 5 – 10 March 2002.
For further information please contact:
Badminton Association of England:
Stephen Baddeley, Chief Executive
Tom Marrs,Championships Director,
Tel: 01908 268400
Fax: 01908 268412
Email: Stephenbaddeley@baofe.co.uk, Tommarrs@baofe.co.uk
Yonex UK Limited:
Paul Jepson, Deputy Managing Director
Tel: 0208 742 9777
Fax: 0208 742 9612
Email: pjepson@yonexuk.com