Squash World Welcomes Gerald Leeke New Year's Honour

The world of squash is celebrating the award of an OBE in the New Year's Honours list to Welsh businessman Gerald Leeke.

Owner of the department store Leekes, one of Wales' most successful enterprises, Gerald Leeke is believed to have invested more than £2 million in squash sponsorship - for five years from 1990 backing the Leekes Welsh Classic, and thereafter for three years the Leekes British Open in Cardiff.

"The PSA World Tour has definitely benefited from your love for the game of squash and the name 'Leeke' always brings to mind first-class squash tournaments presented with style, showmanship and entertainment," said PSA Tour Director Sheila Cooksley in a letter of congratulations to Mr Leeke.

"Certainly your involvement in squash has been one of the greatest contributions to the sport in its history. Your vision and actions of promoting the top players in showcase arenas put the game on a new level and, of course, by your efforts and backing squash was brought to a much wider audience through television."