James Willstrop Cuts Ribbon For Five New Courts at University of Hull by Scarlett Smith
April 18, 2013
- World number three James Willstrop has officially opened five new
glass back squash courts at a launch party at the University of Hull
celebrating the new state of the art facility invested in by England
Squash & Racketball.
Also attending the opening was Vice Chancellor Calie Pistorius and
British Open title sponsor Dr. Allam who was instrumental in bringing
the prestigious international squash tournament to the city.
Students and children from the local Humber Squash Academy also enjoyed
trying out the new courts with a helping hand from James Willstrop.
The courts will help to deliver the legacy of the Allam British Open to students, children and the local community.
World no.3 James Willstrop said: “As a Yorkshireman it’s even more
prominent for me that by holding the British Open in Hull we can also
create a lasting legacy for students and the local community.
Sport and in particular squash is really thriving in Yorkshire and
these courts will only help to get more people involved in our sport.”
The main event is being held on a spectacular all-glass court at the KC
Stadium between 20-26 May whilst the British Open Masters tournament
will be staged at the University during the same period.
The University will host hundreds of Masters players ranging from over 35’s to over 80’s from across the world.
Title sponsor of the British Open, Dr. Allam commented: “The new courts
at the University of Hull are a fantastic resource and are the perfect
venue at which to stage the Allam British Open Masters tournament in
May.
“They also form a major part of the legacy of the contest, one of the
priorities of which is to encourage more people of all ages to take up
the sport of squash by creating top class facilities in the city.”
Professor Ian Pashby, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement at the
University of Hull said: “The University of Hull is delighted to be
working with England Squash & Racketball to deliver the prestigious
2013 Allam British Open squash tournament. The refurbishment of our
squash facilities for this year’s event will also deliver a lasting
legacy by providing our students and the wider community with
state-of-the art facilities. This launch event will be a first
opportunity to show off these new facilities to the community and we
hope that people come and take a look.”