Boat Race welcomes new sponsor, moves women's event to Tideway
08 Feb 12
Multinational bank BNY Mellon is the new sponsor of the men's Varsity Boat Race, a deal that also brings the women's race to the Tideway on the same day for the first time.
The move has been welcomed by many for putting the women's event on an equal footing with the men's.
'The Boat Race has become the Boat Races,' said Michael Cole-Fontayn, the European chairman of BNY Mellon.
The first BNY Mellon Boat Race will be held in 2013. The women's race, currently sponsored by BNY Mellon subsidiary Newton, will be held alongside the men's event in 2015. It will continue to be part of the Henley Boat Races until then.
'The Boat Race is one of the world’s most famous sporting events with a rich heritage, and it is a great privilege and pleasure for BNY Mellon to be the title partner,' said Gerald L. Hassell, chairman, president and chief executive officer of BNY Mellon.
'In addition, we are pleased that Newton’s continued support of the women’s race is to bring parity to the sport. Being able to bring the women’s race to the same stretch of river on the same day for the first time is a significant milestone, and will enhance the experience for everyone. This is good for rowing, for gender equality, and for sport as a whole.'
Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, said: 'We are delighted to welcome BNY Mellon to the Varsity family, especially as it features the continued sponsorship of the Women's race by Newton and the very exciting move to the Tideway for the women in future years. Oxford and Cambridge strive to be world class in all that we undertake, mixing heritage with cutting edge innovation.'
