26 November 2009

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of the All England Club, receives the Gold Award for Sports Event Innovation from Awards presenter and Sky Sports presenter Charlotte Jackson and David Butter, Associate Partner of Award sponsor Group Partners.

The All England Club has won Gold at the Sports Event Innovation at the SportBusiness Sports Event Management Awards 2009, held at Lord's Cricket ground in London. 

The SportBusiness Sports Event Management Awards recognise the innovation and skills of the people and organisations that make sports events happen and the occasion is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the best practitioners and programmes in the business of major international sports events.

Nigel Rushman, Co-Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “Congratulations to The All England Lawn Tennis Club.  The judges were extremely impressed by their entry which stood out in a very competitive category.  They have earned the right to be considered the best in the world in their area in 2008-9.”

AELTC Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said:  “We are delighted to receive this prestigious Gold Award.  With the unveiling of the new Centre Court roof, this year’s Championships wrote its own chapter in Wimbledon’s enduring history.  Many people worked long and hard to bring that fantastic achievement to fruition and this Award is testament not only to their magnificent contribution, but also to that of the entire Wimbledon team which does so much year-in, year-out to make The Championships one of the world’s greatest sports events.”