2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Yorkshire Cricket Club. In light of this momentous occasion, local MP Nigel Adams (Selby and Aintsy) approached Simon Chappell – CEO of Backup Technology – to see if he would be interested in sponsoring an event based at the Houses of Parliament. Nigel, being a keen cricketer and Yorkshire man, wanted Parliament to acknowledge this important anniversary.
Simon, being a keen cricketer himself as well as being Regional Chairman for The Lord’s Taverners (the cricketing charity), was happy to oblige. So on June 10th, BTL sponsored, with members of the BTL team attending, the event to join in the celebrations of this auspicious occasion.
Yorkshire cricketers also attended the event from previous years as well as the full current squad, coached by former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie. Familiar faces from the past included the likes of Yorkshire and England legends Geoffrey Boycott and Darren Gough. Also in attendance were peers from all parties as well as commons speaker John Bercow.
The event proved to be a great success and BTL were proud to be part of the celebrations.
Mr Adams, in the build up to the event said:
“Yorkshire County Cricket Club is deeply rooted in our county’s cultural and sporting psyche and it is important for our Parliamentarians to recognise and celebrate what has been achieved by the club and by inviting past and present players, it is a way for Parliament to say thank you to the world’s greatest cricket club”
Earlier this year Backup Technology announced it was one of three companies to partner with Yorkshire Cricket club in 2013. Simon said earlier this year:
“Backup Technology is very proud to become a partner of the club in its 150th Anniversary Year and look forward to participating in the exciting range of events organised throughout the year, with the hope that successful celebrations off the pitch can be matched on the pitch as well.”
Yorkshire have had a brilliant start to this year’s campaign, currently sitting top of the LV County Championship Division One, and Yorkshire players Tim Bresnan, Jonathan Bairstow and Joe Root currently key members of the England setup. Let’s hope the players and staff can maintain this throughout the season in what is a historic year for YCCC.
Simon and BTL would also like to extend a warm thank you to Nigel for arranging and inviting BTL to sponsor the event. It was a great day and one that will live long in the memory!
