World Squash Day An 'Outstanding Success'

World Squash Day was an outstanding success in attracting a new generation of female participants to the sport.

Events took place all over the world as clubs opened their doors to offer free activities to females of all ages.

The most outstanding project took place in Johannesburg, where more than 600 children from the Soweto townships were given a free lunch and treated to a day of squash and education classes.

Former WISPA World Tour professional Lauren Siddall, now Head Coach at Pretoria University, said: "It was a fantastic day, combining World Squash Day celebrations with real-life issues and education for people who wouldn't usually have the opportunity to play squash but who fell in love with the game instantly.

"The older children were welcomed to the lecture theatre and were given sex education and education on HIV/AIDs.

"This is an ongoing programme run by Central Gauteng Squash that is constantly bringing in hundreds of children to this wonderful sport.

"The day was run by Glenn Lazarus and his brilliant development team, Sharon Sibanda, Lawrence Dlamini and Dikana Mthombeni, who have trained as squash coaches and now manage the whole programme embracing more than 1,000 children."

Siddall added: "I was sad to miss the World Open in Rotterdam, but I am happy to be giving back to the sport I love, especially in circumstances like this. We are about to launch an appeal for rackets, shoes and clothing to help the project grow."

Elsewhere in the world, Athens forgot about currency problems for a while to enjoy World Squash Day at the Vari Club. The Greek women's national team, the Balkan champions known as the Golden Girls, played exhibition matches and gave free coaching to newcomers and club members.

In New Zealand, home of former world champions Susan Devoy and Carol Owens, squash leaders are taking the message even further by extending their programme from a single day to a whole year. Squash New Zealand have designated 2012 as the Year of Women's Squash to increase female participation.

Japan's leading international women players chose World Squash Day to launch a campaign to gain more awareness for the sport to support the World Squash Federation's bid for squash to gain a place in the 2020 Olympic Games.

A Squash Mania doubles tournament in Moscow attracted more than 130 players to illustrate the growth of the sport in Russia.

Activities across many clubs in Ireland featured an inflatable squash court and attracted many newcomers to the sport.

Newcastle's Eldon Leisure Centre in England, a former home of the British National Championship, held a women's tournament and open day.

In Kent, World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher led a day of fun and fitness activity to attract new female players to squash and announced the formation of a new county-wide competition for women, the Kent Grand Prix Series.

Squash Courts a New Generation of Female Players on World Squash Day

Squash is all set to attract a new generation of female players thanks to a worldwide day of action and innovation backed by the World Squash Federation.

World Squash Day takes place on November 5th and events are taking place all over the globe as clubs open their doors to welcome female members to the sport.

“Squash is ideal for the modern female,” said World Squash Federation Chief Executive Andrew Shelley.  “It's a great calorie-burner and is rated the best sport for fitness in a number of surveys.

“We hope that the many newcomers to the sport who support World Squash Day will enjoy their experience on court and realise the many benefits squash has to offer.

“A superb sport for fitness and agility, Squash is ideal for the recreational player and also for those who seek more demanding competition.

“World Squash Day coincides with the World Open in The Netherlands and this unique day provides an ideal link between the game’s leading players and a programme of grass-roots activity designed to increase female participation.”

National federations have been quick to promote the idea and events are taking place in a wide variety of countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Portugal, Brazil and Lebanon.

Events are also taking place throughout more established squash nations including England, USA, Canada, India, Ireland, Malaysia, South Africa and Finland.

In Greece, the national women’s team, who recently retained the Balkan Championship, will be playing exhibition matches and passing on free tips to all comers at the Vari Sports Club in Athens.

The Greeks and the Irish are really capturing the spirit of the day with the emphasis on staging fun events to attract a new playing audience.

Deirdre Faul of Irish Squash said:  “Ireland is looking forward to celebrating World Squash Day this year.  Events are being organised by Irish Squash and Leinster Squash at a large number of clubs.  The emphasis is on having fun on the day and encouraging new players young and old on to the court.”

World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher, president of the Kent SRA in England, said:  “It seems that the accent of many events taking place on World Squash Day will be on fun, fitness and friendship.  We hope those themes will be echoed throughout the world.”

LEADING FEMALE STARS SUPPORT WORLD SQUASH DAY

The world’s leading squash stars are lending their support to World Squash Day.

A worldwide programme of events will take place on November 5 to promote increased female participation in this high-energy sport which is battling for Olympic status.

NICOL DAVID, the world No.1 and five-times world champion from Malaysia, is right behind the programme.

She said:  “Squash appeals to women everywhere; anyone who is looking for the perfect sport to pick up. It provides the best all-round workout and it's a lot of fun with friends.

“Anyone can play it! This World Squash Day is focussed on getting women and girls to join squash, so create a social trend among your girlfriends to keep fit with squash.”

JENNY DUNCALF, the world No.2 from England, added: “I think it's a great idea to try and get more women involved in the game.

“Squash is the perfect game for women of all ages to take up and enjoy. It provides the ideal workout to stay healthy and in shape as well as being mentally stimulating and fun. 

“So the message for World Squash Day is to pick up a racket and see for yourself … you won't look back!”