Published on:

04 April 2022

Updated on:

17 May 2022

Read time:

2 minutes

Office Principles North has lent its support to a unique squash event that aims to build excitement ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

OP Squash Event April 22 1600 x 800

The leading interior design consultancy is sponsoring a state-of-the-art squash court at Birmingham’s New Street Station, that will see thousands of local schoolchildren take part in the game for the first time.

Taking inspiration from New York’s famous Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Station, an all-glass championship court has been installed in the main concourse of Birmingham’s own Grand Central.

From 4-11 April, commuters will be given the opportunity to discover the exciting world of squash, with open play sessions made available to the public.

Some of the world’s best players, including England No.1 and local star Sarah-Jane Perry, will be taking part in exhibition matches, with a series of squash ‘legends’ lined up for appearances throughout the week.

The event enjoys the support of a number of the sport’s key stakeholders, including England Squash, the World Squash Federation, Rackets Cubed, Off the Wall Squash and the PSA Foundation.

It is being sponsored by Birmingham-based firms, Gowling WLG and Aston & Fincher, with Office Principles North a gold sponsor of the event.

All funds raised via the event will go towards community initiatives around Birmingham, with Office Principles North making an additional donation to allow inner-city schools to purchase squash equipment for pupils.

Gary Tailby, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “We are hugely excited to be part of one of the biggest events in the build up to Birmingham 2022. More than 170,000 walk across the station’s concourse each day, which offers an incredible opportunity to take squash to the people of Birmingham and whet their appetite for the Games this summer.

As a business, we are increasingly focused on the sustainability of the work we do and the positive impact we can have on others. This is an event that shares many of the same values, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in sport. We’re particularly pleased to be able to support efforts to leave a lasting legacy by purchasing equipment that will allow schoolchildren to play the game long after the event has finished.