Firm delighted to supply Olympic equipment again

Kate Pasque, Daryl Studd and Kevin Utton from Harrod Sport which is supplying hockey goals, nets and team shelters for the Paris 2024 Olympics

A family business is already celebrating a win at the 2024 Olympics in Paris after beating off competition to supply official equipment for the hockey tournament.

Harrod Sport, based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, has made goals, corner posts, nets, team shelters and sin bins for the event.

Representatives from the firm are now in the French capital to help officials with any final preparations before the games start on 26 July.

It is the fourth time in a row that Harrod Sport has supplied Olympic equipment after being awarded contracts for the London 2012 Games.

Four hockey goals have now been delivered from Suffolk to Paris ready to be used for the event

In recent years the firm has also catered for a range of other prestigious events including football's World Cup and Euros, the Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

Kevin Utton, director of sport sales and marketing, said: "What's really special is that we're celebrating our 70th birthday this year with an Olympic Games which is amazing and a testament to our founder Ron Harrod."

In 1954, Ron and his wife Margaret started Harrod UK Ltd with a £300 investment to convert old herring nets into garden netting, using skills traditionally associated with Lowestoft’s fishing industry.

Kate Pasque, business development manager, said she was very proud the firm was representing Suffolk in Paris.

"It's our fourth Olympics in a row and we are very happy to be involved and it's following on from a very busy time last year so we're really looking forward to the event."

The firm's Olympic tie-in began in 2012 with contracts to provide football and hockey goals and team shelters.

Daryl Studd, export executive, said: "We're very excited. The shipment went over in April and it's now been installed and we have processes in place to make sure all our products are received in top condition."

Ms Pasque and Mr Utton will be in Paris this month and during the Games to be on hand if officials need any assistance with the equipment.

Harrod Sport employs 136 people at its site in Pinbush Road on the South Lowestoft Industrial Estate.