SQUASH MAKES A RACKET FOR OLYMPIC BID

Squash 2016 Day produced a resounding rallying cry all over the globe to support squash's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games.

In a worldwide festival of squash, the day began with rock star Phil Buscke of The Datsuns performing a bungee jump live on Tv from Auckland Harbour bridge in New Zealand and continued with an amazing array of events as Squash 2016 Day moved through the various timezones.

Another musician to lend her support was Brazilian superstar Daniela Mercury, who joined a fantastic squash carnival in Sao Paulo.

Leading squash professionals lent their support to the bid by joining in hundreds of Olympic-themed events, all taking place on the same day.

The biggest event of the day was held at the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York, where squash legends Jonathon Power and John White took part in a 100-a-side Battle Of The Border fixture, joined by US number ones Julian Illingworth and Natalie Grainger.

They were joined by fellow pros from around the world including David Palmer, Bernardo Samper, Rafael Alarcon, Raj Nanda, Chris Walker, John Russell, Ryan Cuskelly, Mike Ferreira, Stuart Crawford, Mark Price, Phil Barker, Peter Briggs, Suzie Pierrepont, Kasey Brown, Lisa Camillieri and Narelle Krizek.

World No.2 Grainger, a Squash 2016 Ambassador, said: "It was fantastic to see so many leading players supporting the event and more than 500 people came through the club's doors on the day. The event raised money for the bid, showcased squash in the most positive way and helped to raise the profile of the sport."

From the professionals of North America, through Europe and Asia to the townships of Soweto in South Africa, thousands of children were entertained to free coaching lessons and a vivid introduction to squash on a very special day for the sport.

Rio, Chicago and Tokyo, three of the cities bidding to host the 2016 Olympics, held special events throughout the day. As well as open days at every squash club, enthusiasts took to the streets in numbers to be photographed waving their Squash For 2016 banners at prime locations in each city.

The Japan Squash Association hosted a press conference in Tokyo attended by more than 20 members of the National media.

Organiser Miyuki Adashi said: "The coverage afterwards in various newspapers described the launch of the JSA's efforts to help with the bid to have Squash included in the 2016 Olympics.

"As well as the conference, a squash clinic gave the journalists the opportunity to try out the game on court with some of the top players in Japan. All in all a very successful and enjoyable day."

Other open-air events took place in India (with photographs outside the Taj Mahal and the Gateway to India), Malaysia (Petronas Towers), South Africa (Table Mountain) and London, where a London bus toured the city and stopped off for photographs at the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

Leading the party on the iconic red London double-decker bus were three of the sport's up-and-coming stars - Joe Lee, the British U19 champion, Charles Sharpes, the British U17 champion, and Charlie Lee, the England U10 number one - all of whom could be in their prime by 2016.

"I was delighted to have been involved in World Squash Day and the campaign to get Squash its rightful place in the Olympic Games," said Joe Lee. "The sport deserves the global recognition and extra benefits that would come from Olympic inclusion - and it would be a huge honour for me to, one day, compete for my country in the world's greatest sporting event."

In Cape Town, South Africa, Villager Squash Club hosted a "Last Man Standing" Tournament. It turned out that the tournament should have been titled "Last Person Standing" since a woman, Siyoli Lusaseni, was crowned the Champion, after five hours of squash and 24 games with different squash enthusiasts.

Fittingly, Siyoli is an Olympic Ambassador for the World Squash Federation. She said: It was a brilliant day for the game of squash and a wonderful picture was taken of a group of squash enthusiasts at the Cape Town V and A Waterfront with the backdrop of Table Mountain."

Another Olympic Ambassador, Samantha Teran, headed the celebrations in Mexico, which featured activities at many of Mexico's most important clubs and concluded with a gathering at the Angel of Independence in the centre of the capital.

Full story from Mexico

Another huge event in terms of participation was in Mumbai, where Indian ace Ritwik Bhattacharya was the star turn in a programme of State League fixtures with 128 players from Maharashtra between the ages of eight and 65.

Illustrating squash's cultural diversity, Iran and Nepal held massive squash conferences, arranged national TV coverage and invited prominent IOC guests.

In Tehran, more than 600 guests of the Iran Squash federation visited the historical Sadabad palace with special guests including Mr.Ali Abadi, Head of the country's Physical Education Organization and President of International Olympic Committee of Iran, and Dr M.SH.Malek Zadeh, President of Iran Squash Federation.

Women's world No.1 Nicol David hosted an open day at her training base in Amsterdam, while back home in Penang, she raised 10,000 dollars towards the Olympic Bid by auctioning off her collection of clothing and rackets which she had worn and used to win major tournaments during her career.

Without doubt the most exhausted supporters of the event were at the Leñadura Country Club at the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas, and at Thurles Squash Club, County Tipperary, Ireland, where club players held 24-hour squash marathons.

In Hong Kong the 9th World Squash Coaching and Development kicked off with speakers and delegates welcoming the Hon. Timothy Fok, IOC Member and Preseident of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, who delivered a very encouraging speech to all the participants of the conference in support of World Squash Day.

Delegates included WSF Vice-President Gerard DeCourcy and Hong Kong Squash Chairman David Mui - as well leading figures from the sport including legendary Australians Geoff Hunt, the eight-time British Open champion, and record five times world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

The 'Squash for 2016' cry rang out in all 14 States of Malaysia where more than 53 squash venues at squash centres, clubs, colleges, universities and schools - even Armed Forces centres and Police Squash Clubs - joined in this worthy effort.

The national level programme started at the Royal Lake Club, where Squash first took root in Malaysia - and where dignitaries assembled that morning included WSF Patron and IOC Member HRH Prince Tunku Imran; Dato’ A. Sani Karim, President of the Asian Squash Federation; Dato’ Mohd Shukri Hussin, CEO of CIMB Foundation, SRAM’s Sports Partner; and two Vice-Presidents and the Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

A 16-vehicle motorcade, supported by four police outriders, made its way to seven iconic buildings in Kuala Lumpur (including the Parliament House, National Museum, Sultan Samad Building, City Hall, Royal Selangor Club, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers) where group photographs were taken.

The day rounded off in sensational style with a press conference at which CIMB Investment Bank announced a 4 Million Malaysian Ringgit sponsorship deal with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia to extend the current agreement by a further two years.

"Never in the history of squash in Malaysia had we witnessed the entire squash fraternity nationwide coming together to support a worthy cause," commented K. Sivanesen, Hon. Secretary of SRA Malaysia. "All through the length and breadth of the country, Squash For 2016 Day was a day of squash festivities, fun and joy."

Full story from Malaysia

At the end of an exhausting but successful weekend, World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher said: "The event was massively supported by national federations, and some extraordinary individuals came to the fore to organise amazing events in so many different countries.

"The energy and commitment from so many sources was almost overwhelming, and clearly illustrated the passion we all have to see squash gain its rightful place in the Olympic Games."

WSD in Mexico with Samantha Teran

Between the commemorative t-shirts, banners, cameras and festive ambiance, the abundance of enthusiasm and passion for squash was quite apparent as Mexican squash players joined in celebration of World Squash Day at several of Mexico City’s important squash clubs. Such was the case at the Squash Inn club where owner Jose Luis Mendez organized the day’s events.

Over 100 participants gathered at the club to either watch or compete in events which included a junior tournament, a battle of the sexes tournament and exhibition matches by some of Mexico’s best junior and master players. To conclude the day’s events, Mexico’s own Samantha Teran (World #15 ranked WISPA player) played an exhibition match against the club’s top player, Gerardo De Paul. The event was covered by television, radio and the press.

The festivities continued at another of Mexico’s important squash clubs, Ciudad de Mexico. Owner Jose Perez Licea organized a “dual meet” which pitted the “legends” vs. the “up and coming”. The rosters included players such as Octavio Montero, Pepe Mandujano, Armando Zarazua, Eduardo Lopez, Juan Camacho, Miled Zarazua, Ricardo Lopez, Samantha Teran, Miguel Montero, Luis Quintal, Jonathan Ramos, and Marco Toriz.

Squash Delta was another club that hosted World Squash Day activities which included a junior tournament, exhibition matches, raffles and food. Owners Miriam and Ulises Marques promote a family environment at their club which was fitting for this special day and event that was covered by Mexico’s leading television station, Televisa.

The day’s events were concluded at the statue of the Angel of Independence in the center of the capital. Dozens gathered to join in the official photo for the “Squash for 2016” Olympics campaign. From there it was on to Element, a nightclub-bar owned by Samatha Teran’s family.

The partying and dancing went on into the wee hours of the morning for those who “boasted” of great physical conditioning – probably a result of all that high altitude training here – all for a good cause.

Report by Joaquin H. Rivera

"SQUASH FOR 2016, SQUASH FOR OLYMPICS" SAYS MALAYSIA

The above cries, rang out at all 14 States of Malaysia, in more than 53 squash venues at squash centres, clubs, colleges, universities and schools. Even the Armed Forces Squash Centres and the Police Squash Clubs, joined in this worthy effort. Never in the history of squash in Malaysia, had we witness the entire squash fraternity nationwide coming together to support a worthy cause. All through the length and breadth of the country, 23 May 2009, was a day of squash festivities, fun and joy.

Preparations for ‘Squash 2016 Day’ started way back in February 2009. All State branches and affiliates were asked to make early preparations and the response from all was overwhelming.

A Press Conference was held on 13 May 2009, to announce “Squash For 2016” and to inform all Malaysians of the events which would be held nationwide. This announcement was carried in most of the print and electronic media in the country. Truly, Malaysians were well informed of “Squash For 2016”, on 23 May 2009.

The following were prepared in advance for distribution to all the 53 Centres -

a. 3000 T-shirts and each carried the following - the official logo(front),the WSF and SRAM emblems( on the sleeves), the words “Squash For Olympics” (front) and “Squash 2016 Day” on the back.
b. 1500 made to order collar pins with the official logo.
c. 150 Banners and Buntings with the words “Squash For 2016” and “Squash For Olympics” boldly printed. Each also carried portraits of Malaysia’s three top professionals – Dato’ Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee and Mohd. Azlan Iskandar.

All three items were couriered to all the 53 centres a few days before the event.

The national level programme started at daybreak on 23 May, 2009, at the Royal Lake Club. The Royal Lake Club was chosen at it was at this club that squash first took root in Malaysia and where SRAM was formed. Over 80 squash enthusiast, comprising adults and children gathered at the Club, wearing the official T-shirt for the day. The dignitaries assembled that morning included, WSF Patron, HRH Prince Tunku Imran; Dato’ A. Sani Karim, the President of Asian Squash Federation and SRAM; Dato’ Mohd Shukri Hussin, CEO of CIMB Foundation, SRAM’s Sports Partner; two Vice-Presidents and the Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

After a quick breakfast everyone got into the 15 cars and a bus, a symbolic total of 16 ( Squash For 2016 ). This motorcade of 16 vechicles was flagged off from the Club by HRH Prince Tunku Imran. The motorcade made its way to seven iconic buildings in Kuala Lumpur, namely the Parliament House, Nationa Museum, Sultan Samad Building, City Hall, Royal Selangor Club, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers. The smooth flow of the motorcade was facilitated with the help of four (4) police outriders. On either sides of all 16 vehicles were stickers with bold prints, “Squash For 2016” and “Squash For Olympics”. National and State flags fluttered from the vehicles in the convoy. At a reasonable distances from the iconic buildings the motorcade stopped to take group photographs. The final stop was at the National Squash Centre at Bukit Jalil, where more than 200 squash fans, also in the official T-shirts were waiting to welcome the motorcade.

The programme of activities for the day then continued at the National Squash Centre. It started with short speeches by the President of Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, Dato’ A.Sani Karim and this was followed with a speech by HRH Prince Tunku Imran. HRH explained in some detail the Olympic Bid process and was optimistic of squash making the Olympics.

Former Olympians from other sports were invited to share their experiences at the Olympics. To Ex-Olympians, Stephen van Huzien and Mahinderjeet Singh from field hockey, participating at the Olympics was the pinnacle of their playing career. Both supported and felt that squash was worthy of being in the Olympics. They hoped that Malaysian squash players would be at the 2016 Olympics, to share an experience of a life time.

Urged on by the beautiful and glamorous TV celebrity, Belinda Chee, the 300 odd squash fans at the National Squash Centre were in no time fully wrapped up into the various activites. All 10 courts had different squash related activities. Rocking, loud and hot music added to the excitement, fun and joy. The venue was enveloped with a fiesta atmosphere.

The court activities included – Battle of the Sexes, Fun Games for children (2 courts), Play the Pro, Muhibbah Doubles, One Malaysia Team Event, Juniors Vs Seniors, Challenge your Skills(adults), Challenge your Skills (children) and Basic Coaching Clinic. There were so many prizes to be won that everyone walked away with at least two prizes.

All through the activity session, participants were asked to make contributions towards the Bid process.

Scheduled to end at 12.30 pm, the fun and games carried on for a further hour. The day ended with everyone joining in to shout 3 times, “Squash For 2016, Squash For Olympics”. The tired but still exicited participants, with prizes sticking out of all their pockets, were then treated to a sumptuous lunch.

At 12.00 noon a very important and significant event for Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) commenced. This was the Signing Ceremony between SRAM and CIMB Investment Bank.

The ceremony formalised the sponsorship of 4 Million Ringgit Malaysia to SRAM by CIMB. This would extend by a further 2 years, CIMB’s present second two year term sports partnership with SRAM, which comes to an end on 30 June 2009. It is apt that the continuation of the CIMB sponsorship would help mount a strong challenge by Malaysian squashers in 2016.

At all 53 venues around the country, squash fans experienced a similar day of festivity. This day would definitely go down the annals of Malaysian squash, as the day when Malaysians came together very strongly to lend support for a very worthy squash cause.

2016 Day in Penang

Hi Everybody!

It was great seeing so many familiar faces at the event in Penang yesterday!
We managed to raise some RM10k from the auction and through the donations and games thanks to all you good folks in Penang plus the KL ones who were there! You guys are champs!

Speaking of the KL folks, I would like to extend a very big thank you to Non our fantastic Emcee and all his KL Squash kakis for making the event an even more enjoyable one!

Aaron and Teng Hin and all the Squash pros in Penang—you guys are Rockstars! The event wouldn't even have been possible without you guys. I guess there is a reason why Penang has always been producing so many awesome players...it is evident that your passion for Squash has brought Penang Squash to be where it is today. Kudos!

Last but not least, to all the Squash Stars volunteers and BrainChild crew—I'm not sure if a Thank You alone would suffice for all the hard work and energy you've put into this event but we would like to say it all the same—Thank You!

Here's to Squash and the Olympics!

Nicol & Elaine :D

More reports, photos, blogs and videos

ALL ABOARD IN IRAN

Iran Squash Federation created a fantastic ceremony for Squash 2016 Day endorsed by the WSF ( 23rd May 2009) last day in historical Sadabad palace(Tehran) with presentation of Mr.Ali Abadi, Head of Physical Education Organization & President of International Olympic Committee of Iran , Dr. M.SH.Malek Zadeh, President of Iran Squash Federation and the other delegates.

There were about 600 people. All professional players, coaches and referees had been invited to this ceremony in order to support squash's campaign to get into the Olympic and all of them had been appreciated by Mr. Ali Abadi & Dr. Malek Zadeh because of their attempts in promoting squash.

The young squash players who had participated in Iran Squash National Academy also had been appreciated in this ceremony and had received the certificates of this course confirmed by Iran Squash Federation in order to encourage them. Delegates of Iran Squash federation's committees also were present there.

Squash 2016 logos and the poster which was created by Iran Squash Federation were used in the venue and some T-Shirts using this logo were distributed to the participants.

There was a cake designed by these logos and all the guests were received by it.

There were also broadcasting services ( newspapers, television & sports journalists) in order to showing all what a great sport we have.

Babak Faghir
Secretary General, I.R.Iran Squash Federation

ON THE BEACH IN SAN DIEGO

The students from Surf City Squash, an urban youth program in San Diego, celebrated World Squash Day in a unique and unusual fashion.

Rather than playing or watching the sport, the students spread the word about the sport and the effort to become an Olympic Sport by promoting the sport at San Diego’s most renowned venue—the beach.

The students designed a giant squash racquet, Olympic rings, and a ball in the sand on the beach providing the many beachgoers an opportunity to learn about the sport and the effort to make it an Olympic sport.



The students who participate in the Surf City Squash program come from 10 countries and represent the future of squash in the United States. While only playing the sport for less than two years, the girl’s team was the champion of the Urban Squash Team Tournament, under 15 division.

Surf City Squash is an urban youth enrichment program that involves academic, community service, and squash. The students spend 30 hours per month in the program which is held at the San Diego Squash facility. They meet three times per week and spend half of their time on academic enrichment and the remainder on squash.

On weekends, they participate in community service projects, play in squash tournaments, or practice their squash. Surf City Squash is a non-profit organization that inspires underserved youth to succeed with an aim to encourage collaboration and physical activity, teach students to make wise choices, develop a life-long ethic of service, unite a diverse population of students, and affirm each student’s uniqueness to foster self-respect, self-confidence, and leadership.

Surf City Squash hopes to instill the skills necessary for it participants to become future leaders and productive, contributing members of the community.

Renato Paiva, SCS Executive Director
www.surfcitysquash.org

BUSSING 2016 INTO LONDON

Film by Paul Howard


London may not be featuring squash in its 2012 Olympics, but UK squash fans made a concerted effort for the 2016 bid as the specially-hired London Bus toured the capital, parading the banner in front of many of London's landmarks ... more in the Gallery ...

World Coaching Conference in Hong Kong

Today is the World Squash Day世界壁球日, Hong Kong Squash is organising the 9th World Squash Coaching and Development conference between 22 to 24 May 2009.

We are very pleased to have the presence of the Hon. Timothy Fok, IOC Member and Preseident of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, who delivered a very encouraging speech to all the participants of the conference in support of the World Squash Day (Squash for 2016).

Mr. Gerald DeCourcy, Vice-President of the World Squash Federation and Mr. David Mui, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash accompanied Mr. Fok in a group photo with all the participants come from around the world.

Hong Kong Squash chairman, Mr. David Mui and HK number one, Rebecca Chiu Wing-yin, on behalf of Hong Kong Squash to present souvenir polo-shirt to Mr. Fok for his big support to Squash!!

Tony Choi, Conference Director

Thank you for your attention.

*世界壁球協會副主席迪高斯先生

World Number One makes her pledge ...

World Squash Day in India

Today is World Squash Day. All over India, clubs / associations have been organising activities. Here in Chennai at the ICL squash academy we had a gala event this morning. Over 100 children got together to join hand in the hope that squash gets elected into the Olympics 2016.

Plenty of activities on and off court took place - the 100 odd children were divided into 4 groups (Darwish, Gaultier, Shabana & Ashour) where the following activities were conducted including squash singles & doubles, conditioned games for younger groups, swimming & running competitions.

Black Knight sponsors a few players and coaches at the The ICL Academy. We took this opportunity to hand out their equipment.

The Secretary General of the SRFI, Mr. Srivatsan Subramaniam said 'squash is truly a global sport with millions of squash players all over the world. We are all here today to show squash deserves to be in the Olympics'.

Our national champion Saurav Ghosal, currently abroad who is also an Olympic ambassador for squash quoted the following :

"It is a day when everyone associated with this great game comes together to celebrate the massive strides that squash has made as a sport in the recent past and to look to the future with a lot of hope. I am sure that many people are aware that squash has been trying very hard to get into the Olympics in 2016. The sport's moment of truth comes next month when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shortlists the candidate sports from 7 to 2. I am honoured to say that I am one of the Olympic ambassadors for squash. People all over the world are doing their bit to make squash more popular. There are many reasons why the Olympics will do wonders for squash but I am not going into the minute details here.

"All I say is that the Olympics provide athletes from all around the world an opportunity to express themselves on the biggest sporting stage and squash players must not be deprived of that opportunity. Squash is played in almost every country and this is reflected in the professional men's and women's rankings. Additionally, squash courts can be put up at any location in the host city which is a great advertisement for the city's culture and history. I pray and hope that squash makes the cut for the Olympics.

"Winning an Olympic medal for India is my dream and I deserve at least an opportunity to try!

"All my hard work at the ICL academy in Chennai during my formative years and my current pursuit of excellence under Malcolm Willstrop in Pontefract, England will be all worth it if I could win that Olympic gold medal! You can make that dream happen. All you need to do is play that extra game of squash or have that additional conversation on squash and back squash's bid to get into the Olympics. I am sure the IOC will listen to you, the voice of the people!"

The SRFI arranged "Squash for 2016" banners to be at iconic locations across India. The Taj Mahal, Agra, the Gate way of India & Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. Pictures shall follow later.

Squash - anywhere, anytime, anyplace...

With best regards
Cyrus Poncha, National Coach