Through the sponsorship, Canon will demonstrate its full breadth of imaging technology by supporting athletes and organisers with on-site medical imaging services, dedicated Canon professional service (CPS) support and printing solutions which will help to bring the Games to life to more than a billion spectators and viewers.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 6,000 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports and eight para-sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until 8 August 2022. As the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands, it is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.

Yuichi Ishizuka, President and CEO of Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “At Canon we have a proud heritage of supporting world-class sporting events, so we are incredibly pleased to be the Official Imaging Supporter to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We believe that imaging can transform our world, and we look forward to using our full-range of innovative technologies to support the welfare of athletes, ensure the smooth running of the Games and inspire sports fans across the globe.”

Through this sponsorship, Canon will help the Commonwealth Games to be seen like they’ve never been seen before. Canon Professional Services will give photographers and broadcasters behind-the-scenes support in capturing every moment of the action, while dedicated on-site printing services will help the event organisers and venues to deliver an exciting fan and spectator experience.

Cutting-edge medical imaging services will also support athletes’ performance during the Games. MRI, ultrasound and X-ray imaging services will be available throughout the athletes’ village and in diagnostic vehicles to provide unparalleled support for some of the biggest sports stars.

Mark Hitchman, UK Managing Director, Canon Medical Systems, said: “We’re excited to use our industry-leading medical imaging technologies to help make the Birmingham 2022 next summer’s biggest sporting event. High-level performance demands high-quality medical support, and our experience in using our technology to support some of Europe’s biggest sporting teams and events will be instrumental in keeping the athletes at the Games fit, healthy and at the top of their game.”

Canon and Birmingham 2022 are united in their aim to act as a catalyst for change by bringing people together and inspiring younger generations to improve their health and wellbeing. As part of this, Canon will connect with schools and communities in and around the Midlands through its Young People Programme, using the power of sport to inspire a new generation of creatives.

Ian Reid, CEO at Birmingham 2022, said: “We are delighted to have Canon on board as they join us as our Official Imaging Supporter for Birmingham 2022. Canon is a clear leader in imaging technologies and has an enviable pedigree when it comes to sports and leisure events and it is this that makes them the perfect partner to help us deliver a truly memorable edition of the Games.

“As well as inspiring fans and athletes across the world, Canon are using their expertise to work with us on our engagement programme across schools and communities. We are looking forward to working together to embrace and champion the youth, diversity, humanity and pride of the region and the Commonwealth.”

Martin Reynolds, Executive Director at the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “The Commonwealth Sport Movement is delighted to welcome Canon as the Official Imaging Supporter for Birmingham 2022.

Their imaging expertise will help capture and showcase the very best of Commonwealth Sport and bring to life the inspiring stories across our 72 nations and territories.” 

Birmingham 2022 recently announced the ticket ballot will run from 8 to 30 September. To be part of the largest sporting and cultural event to take place in the UK in a decade, visit birmingham2022.com and register for a ticket account to receive all the latest information about the ballot.