The company has been named the official legal adviser to – and major sponsor of – Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC), supporting the organisation as it prepares its athletes for competition at Birmingham 2022.

Gowling WLG will work alongside CGC as it looks to build on Canada's success at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, where the country won 82 medals, including 15 golds.

"At Gowling WLG, we know that the power of teamwork helps us produce exemplary results for our clients – which is why we’re so passionate about our Team Canada sponsorship," James Buchan, firm managing partner for clients and markets at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, said.

"We’re thrilled to support the team as it embarks upon Birmingham 2022 and help the athletes work toward their ultimate goal of taking home the gold."

Gowling WLG’s involvement with the major multi-sport event spans the firm’s international network, as its United Kingdom LLP has been appointed as the first official sponsor of and official legal advisers to Commonwealth Games England (CGE), supporting its athletes' preparation for Birmingham 2022. 

The appointment will also see the UK firm advising the organisation on a range of legal issues – including commercial and contract matters, employment law and data protection – in the run-up to the Games in two years' time.

"Here in Canada, everyone is looking forward to cheering on our athletes at Birmingham 2022," Buchan said.

"There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition across the firm – so we’ll be keeping a close eye on the medal count and hoping that Team Canada comes out on top over Team England."

CGC President Richard Powers added: "We are delighted to welcome Gowling WLG to the Commonwealth Games Canada family.

"It’s clear that Gowling WLG shares the Commonwealth Games' values of humanity, equality and destiny, and their support makes it possible for Team Canada to send more athletes to the Commonwealth Games. 

"Their performance will surely inspire all Canadians."

The Gowling WLG team, led by partner and Board member Stuart Young, will work alongside CGE chief executive Paul Blanchard as the organisation hopes to build on the success of England at Gold Coast 2018, where the nation won 136 medals, including 45 golds.

"We're excited to support Paul and Team England as they get ready for the unique opportunity of a home Games," David Fennell, chief executive at Gowling WLG, said.

"This event will have the largest-ever female and Para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history – thousands of hours of training has already begun as the athletes look to claim a place on the podium, and we are proud to be working with them to help them achieve their goals.  

"There will be some healthy competition across the firm as we keep an eye on the medal table at Birmingham 2022, and we're looking forward to seeing who comes out on top between Team England and Team Canada."

Blanchard added: "We’re absolutely delighted to have Gowling WLG on board as our first sponsor for Birmingham 2022. 

"Heading into a home Games, this support will be invaluable to the athletes selected to represent their country at the Commonwealth Games in front of their friends and family.

"Having Gowling WLG as our official legal advisers for this cycle will help to ensure we can provide the best environment for our athletes to perform at their best after years of hard work and dedication to get to the Games."

Diver Jack Laugher, a five-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, took to Twitter to hail the announcement.

"Great to have Gowling WLG UK on board as the first official sponsor and official legal advisers of Team England," he wrote.

The news follows the announcement last August of Gowling WLG as exclusive official legal advisers to Birmingham 2022 and the first sponsor to be announced for the event.