World Squash Day

World Squash Day 2010

2010-03-26T15:02:00.001Z

The date for World Squash Day 2010 has been set as Saturday 6th November

SQUASH MAKES A RACKET FOR OLYMPIC BID

2009-05-25T11:56:00.031+01:00

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

2009-05-25T10:03:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-25T09:10:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-24T11:17:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-24T10:28:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-24T08:26:00.003+01:00

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

2009-05-23T20:34:00.006+01:00

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

2009-05-23T09:55:00.000+01:00

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 ...

2009-05-23T09:45:00.000+01:00

World Squash Day in India

2009-05-23T09:40:00.005+01:00

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

Shelley & Dame Susan On the TV in NZ

2009-05-23T08:23:00.003+01:00

Shelley Kitchen and Dame Susan Devoy on TV

TELL US WHAT HAPPENED AT YOUR EVENT

2009-05-22T15:41:00.006+01:00

Use this article to add reports of what happened at your Squash2016 Day Event - just add a comment (use the Name/URL signing option and you can leavea link too). Upload your photos to the gallery too, and we'll take some of the postings and make full articles of them.

SQUASH STARS BACK THE BID IN THE USA

2009-05-22T14:18:00.001+01:00

We have over 200 players signed up to participate tomorrow at our USA main event at the Apawamis Club in Rye, NY. There will be doubles play on two courts every hour on the hour from 8am to 5pm and then doubles exhibitions to follow.

Same format for singles play on the five courts at Apawamis Club, Rye, NY.

The grand finale are the exhibition matches from 5-7pm with wine flowing....

We have pro players from around the world including Jonathon Power, Mark Chaloner, John White, Natalie Grainger, David Palmer, Suzie Pierrepont, Mark Price, to name a few. These pro's accented with local "heroes" like Peter Briggs (US Squash Hall of Fame first inductee), Narelle Krizek (founder of the women's professional doubles tour), Sandy Schwartz (Founding Father of the Urban Leagues here in the USA where underprivileged kids learn squash and also get academic coaching), Mark Hayden (CEO of Harrow Sports and lead sponsor), Scott Frantz (Connecticut State Senator), Palmer Page (Founding Father for US Squash Hall of Fame) + hundreds of many more dignitaries and enthusiasts.

There will be constant junior clinics all day as kids show up (rackets, shoes, and protective eye wear supplied); constant adult clinics/opportunities for novices to test the sport. At days end we will have many more squash enthusiasts just because they got "exposed" to this great sport!

See my earlier email for city by city activity with Hollywood glitter events in Los Angeles and Millennium Park on Chicago's water front as two highlights.

In addition to myself... the others on the WSM Committee based here in the USA are: Peer Pedersen, Marie Vlcek, Suzie Pierrepont, Josh Schwartz, Nan O'Neill, Ted Murphy.... and, the enthusiasm and spirit that emanates from the committee members starts with the contagious inspiration of Natalie Grainger.

Wish you could be here but know what is going on across the pond is probably even more dramatic. Together we will surely succeed in our bid for Olympic Squash!

Jack Farley, WSM Coordinator

COUNTDOWN #3

2009-05-22T10:34:00.006+01:00

SQUASH LEAPS TOWARDS 2016 OLYMPICS

Squash 2016 Day was launched in spectacular style today as rock star Phil Buscke of New Zealand band The Datsuns did a bungee jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The event showed just how far squash players will go to display their support for the sport's bid for Olympic inclusion in 2016.

Under the watchful eye of AJ Hackett Bungy Auckland guitarist Buscke, an A grade squash player, jumped not once, but twice - proudly waving a banner with the message "Squash and the Olympics, a Perfect Match".

Buscke said he has been asked to do many things by Squash New Zealand over the years, but nothing quite so dramatic as jumping off the bridge. "That was amazing, such a huge adrenaline rush - I'd do it again in a heartbeat".

The spectacular stunt is the precursor to a worldwide flurry of activity as the global squash community unites in support of the Olympic bid.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Squash stars all over the world are also involved in a host of Squash 2016 Day activities tomorrow in a worldwide festival to promote the sport's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.British stars Alison Waters and Stacey Ross are leading a host of events in London, with former national champion Waters playing Mark Cowley in a Battle of The Sexes exhibition match at Southgate, and world No.39 Ross hosting a day of fun activities at the Lakeside Club in Wimbledon.

Ross said: "Our squash membership is thriving, but we'd still like to encourage more people to play and to join us because it is a great sport."

FINNS TAKE TO THE STREETS

Finnish ace Olli Tuominen, the current world No.21, is hosting a day of Mini-Squash in the streets in Helsinki. He said: "We encouraging youngsters to simply hit a ball against a wall to give them a taste of the game. When they see how much fun it is we hope they will then want to join a squash club." Tuominen will be playing a match against national association secretary Lotta Vuorela against the wall of the Finnish Sports Federation. They have also produced a seven-minute video

INDIA

Indian star Ritwik Bhattacharya is involved in a huge day of action and said: "We are holding one of our State League fixtures where 128 players from Maharashtra between the ages of eight and 65 will compete. We're also holding a 30-a-side game on that day as well at two venues in Mumbai."

NEPAL INVITE OLYMPIC GUEST

The Nepal Squash Rackets Association, are holding a one-day team event with undreds of players and guests from clubs, corporate houses, foreign missions, the police and the army.

Amar K.Simha, President OF THE Nepal Squash Rackets Association, said: "We plan to deliver an 'Olympic Appeal' before the tournament in an inaugural ceremony to the chief guest, who will be the Vice-President of the Nepal Olympic Committee."

RIO IN THE RUNNING

In Brazil, ten regional associations are running events this week, with a special focus on Rio de Janeiro, one of the four cities bidding to stage the 2016 Games. Advertising space has been bought in the Rio media to promote the activities, with a group of enthusiasts jogging round the city to pose for pictures at iconic locations including Copacabana Beach and the Statue of Christ The Redeemer.

FREE SQUASH IN VIENNA

Two live radio broadcasts are being planned in Vienna, where every squash club in the city is throwing open its doors to offer free lessons in a day porganised by McWil Courts and the Vienna Squash Association.They have also set up a brilliant website: www.squashday.at

KEEN IN KENYA

Kenya Squash has organised their national under-19 tournament at Parklands Sports Club. Canadian Coach Rene Denis, assisted by Kenya-based Zambian Pro Prince Mukuka and some top players, will be staging exhibition matches and offering free coaching tips to kids and adults who walk in. At the Rift Valley Sports Club, Kenya-based Zambian Pro Mordecai Kabamba will be giving free coaching for youngsters.

SQUASHING ALL OVER POLAND

The Polish Squash Federation are holding events in Warsaw, Krakow and Poznan (with information at www.pfs.com.pl).

PHILIPPINES BACK THE BID

The Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines' (SRAP) will be holding the third leg of their National Championships tomorrow to coincide with Squash 2016 Day! A spokesman said: "This time, we will make it to the olympics."

COUNTDOWN #2

2009-05-19T13:30:00.006+01:00

From the townships of Soweto to many of the world's wealthiest cities, from the southern tip of South America to the edge of the Arctic Circle, squash players all over the globe are uniting to support their sport's bid for a place in the 2016 Olympics.

Squash 2016 Day takes place on Saturday (May 23) with a worldwide festival of Olympic-themed events.

Special emphasis is focused on the four cities bidding to host the 2016 Games, with extensive squash programmes scheduled to take place in Chicago, Madrid, Rio and Tokyo.

All four cities will be holding open-air demonstrations and open days at major clubs with top professionals lending a hand.

Squash 2016 fever has caught on all over the world and the day launches in New Zealand with rock star Phil Buscke, The Datsuns guitarist, wearing his Squash 2016 T-shirt as he does a bungee jump from Auckland Harbour Bridge live on TV. Phil said: "I've been asked to do a lot of things by Squash New Zealand in the past, but I never thought they'd ask me to jump off a bridge."

Clubs big and small are joining forces as the sport aims to raise its profile ahead of the crucial IOC voting process.

Pimville Squash Club in Soweto is holding an open day, with hundreds of local children taking to the courts for a free introduction to the sport.

WORLD STARS SUPPORT THE BID

Women's world champion Nicol David and England No.1 Nick Matthew are backing the bid in style.

David, the 26-year-old world No.1 from Malaysia, is holding an auction of her prized tournament memorabilia in her home city of Penang.

Matthew, meanwhile, is heading to Milan for the Five Nations Tournament with his Hallamshire, Sheffield, team taking Squash 2016 banners, flags and T-shirts to the Polisquash Sports Club.

ALL ABOARD THE SQUASH BUS

Squash buses will be taking to the streets in London and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, where squash enthusiast will be waving their banners and posing for pictures in front of iconic locations such as Buckingham Palace and the Petronas Towers. At the end of the day, Squash 2016 Day organisers will have amassed an amazing collection of images from all over the world, which will help to illustrate squash's truly global appeal.

FROM BOLLYWOOD TO HOLLYWOOD

Some Bollywood-style photo opportunities are being planned in India, with squash fans descending on the Taj Mahal, Agra, and also the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was attacked by terrorists in November last year. There are further Squash 2016 activities all over India, with events taking place in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata.

In America, a host of events are taking place all over the country, with squash fans waving banners and flags in front of the world famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

Elsewhere, squash legends Jonathon Power and John White will be taking part alongside women's world No.2 Natalie Grainger in the 100-a-side Battle of The Border match at the Apawamis Club in Connecticut.

24-HOUR MARATHONS

Two 24-hour marathons are being held, one at the Leñadura Country Club at the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas, and the other at Thurles Squash Club, County Tipperary, Ireland.

BIG DAY IN ECUADOR

This weekend saw the start of the 7th Festival Olympico Ecuatorianno, a gathering of 3,000 athletes competing in 39 sports alongside a number of cultural events until 24 May in Ecuador's capital city Quito - and Squash will have a major part to play. This comes at an important time for the sport, as it bids for a place in the Olympic Games from 2016.

Squash is one of the eleven sports in the event to be designated as International, so this means that although the Festival is a domestic event there will be several overseas players competing in the Squash singles competition.

While checking on the fine-tuning of the event and the preparations for the Men's World Junior Squash Team & Individual Championships to be held in Ecuador next year, Deputy Minister of Sport Mr Raoul Ricorde was also briefed about the hopes that Squash has to be included in the Olympic Games programme for 2016.

Ecuador Squash Federation President Mr Alberto Adum explained: “The whole of South American Squash is behind our bid for the Olympics, and we see this yearly festival as our step towards this. All the sports are on national TV now so squash is known to everybody here, whether they play or not.”

Explaining the importance of the Festival, Danilo Carrera D, Director of the Comité Limpico Ecuatoria, said: “This sports festival is the most important and large event in our country. The objective is to promote all the sports and to encourage the athletes to become elite players and participate in the Olympic cycle of events.”

Squash 2016 Day Countdown #1

2009-05-14T12:51:00.008+01:00

JUMP START FOR DATSUNS STAR TO LAUNCH SQUASH FOR 2016 DAY

Awesome news arrives from New Zealand, where The Datsuns guitarist Phil Buscke is doing a bungee jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge (live on TV) to launch Squash For 2016 Day in style on May 23.

Phil Buscke, a guitarist with New Zealand hard rock band The Datsuns, will be dressed in his Squash For 2016 T-shirt as he does a bungee jump from Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Buscke, who used to play A grade squash in New Zealand and was a member of the Kiwis' high performance squad before The Datsuns gained international fame, says he is determined to help raise the profile of the game in its crucial build-up to the Olympic voting process.

Phil said: "I've been asked to do a lot of things by Squash New Zealand in the past, but I never thought they'd ask me to jump off a bridge."

On the Olympic bid, he added: "All I can say is, if I'm throwing myself off a bridge, squash had better bloody well get in!"

On splitting his time between recording and touring with The Datsuns and playing squash, he said: "I don't get much time to play when I'm overseas, but I'm planning to spend a bit more time at home in future and would like to do a bit of coaching."

SQUASHING ALL OVER THE WORLD

Squash 2016 Day on May 23 is a fun-filled worldwide festival of activities to promote the Olympic bid and attract new participants to the sport.

Major events are taking place all over the globe with special focus on the four cities bidding to host the 2016 Games, namely Chicago, Madrid, Rio and Tokyo.

NICOL DAVID GETS INVOLVED AND ELAINE TAN PLANS ANOTHER JUMP

In Malaysia, women's world number one Nicol David will be involved in a Squash Open Day at the International Squash Centre in her home town of Penang in a collaboration between Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia and Squash Stars.

Nicol will be auctioning off itemsof clothing and equipment she wore and used on her way to to 50 WISPA titles - and event organiser Elaine Tan writes to say she is holding a competition on Facebook to come up with the cleverest idea of how to celebrate if squash wins one of the two coveted places in the 2016 Olympics.

Elaine herself has written: "If squash is voted in to the 2016 Olympics, I pledge to jump off the tallest building in my country (the Petronas Towers)." That effort will take some beating!

World Squash Day in Penang

LEGENDS LEND A HAND

In the USA, squash legends Jonathon Power and John White will be appearing in the 100-a-side Battle Of The Border match at the Apawamis Club in Connecticut. Also there will be women's world No2 Natalie Grainger, fresh from her appearance in the final of the Cayman Islands Open.

Squash will also be getting the Hollywood treatment in Los Angeles, where the local squash community are planning a massive day of activities.

BUSY DAY IN THE USA

Jack Farley writes:

There are also many… MANY more events being planned across the states in Los Angeles, Seattle, St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, and New York City… to name just a few geographically scattered across the 3,000-mile span here stateside.

All our Urban city youth groups, our colleges and high schools, our public and private clubs and every US Squash member is focused on making a memorable contribution to the worldwide event… Olympic squash in 2016 being the ultimate goal!!!

All will have T-shirt adorned mobs with rackets in hand saluting Squash 2016 Day… with pictures galore posted on www.worldsquashday.com

Los Angeles

Banners in front of Hollywood sign and Universal Studios
Stefan Casteleyn, former world No.7 PSA player and 14-time Belgian National Champion, now the Head Squash Professional at the prestigious Los Angeles Athletic Club, is planning a FREE full-day of squash activities in support of SQUASH FOR 2016, which includes a one day "wooden racket" tournament, a refereeing seminar and professional squash exhibitions.

NEW YORK:

Squash 2016 Day gala to be held at the brand new facility in Rye, NY (five glass wall singles and two doubles courts).

CitySquash is thrilled to participate in the festivities of World Squash Day. That weekend, CitySquash will have its Bronx students playing at locations all around the NY area, including StreetSquash, Rye Country Day School, Hackley School and Fordham University.

StreetSquash in New York City will be hosting a middle school squash tourney for Urban Programs at their new 8 court facility. We plan to have press cover this event and have a potential US Congress member be the chief guest. Every kid will be given a Squash for 2016 T-Shirt. Thank You for the shirts we just received them today.

GET A LIFE, PLAY SQUASH!

The Life Time Fitness Group will be supporting World Squash Day, with events at all 23 clubs in the group.

They say: "We will open our doors in 23 centers across the US to members and non-members at 11am and hosting games of skill that players of all ages and skill can enjoy. We will have a World Squash Day register that all will sign in on that will be sent to US Squash for inclusion in the road to the 2016 Olympics."

Go to www.lifetimefitness.com to see all of the participating centers.

SUPPORT FROM ENGLAND SQUASH

England Squash are supporting the Bid in solid style, and Paul Lynch and his marketing team have created a superb Squash 2016 Day Tool Kit and Media Pack to help any club who wishes to stage an event (see WSD Resources on the right)

As the crucial Olympic voting process draws near, why miss out on this amazing opportunity to do something special to support the bid and show your passion for our brilliant game at a time when your support is needed most?

BIG DAY OUT IN LONDON

Squash fans will be taking to the streets in a number of cities, including London, to wave Squash For 2016 Day banners in front of iconic buildings such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

With similar activities taking place at key locations all over the world, we hope to build up a massive bank of images which will clearly illustrate squash's global appeal, which is one of the key messages of the sport's bid for Olympic inclusion."

BACK THE BID, BUY THE SHIRT

Special T-shirts will be on sale featuring the Squash 2016 logo, with proceeds from each sale supporting the Bid Fund. Orders can be placed with Kentbridge Sports via www.kentbridgesports.co.uk - while T-shirt sales in the USA are being co-ordinated by the Harrow brand via their website www.harrowsports.com

WANT SOME IDEAS?

In London, Cecily Lewis says: "I'm running an event at X-cel, Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Riverside Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. An afternoon of demos, tournaments, goody-bags, and lots of fun for beginners, intermediates and the very advanced!"

From Tynemouth SC: "We'll be having a full day of activities, something on every hour from 9am to 9pm for members and non-members of all ages and standards."

From Strings in Swansea: "We will be getting involved with Lots of fun activities planned! Let's raise some money! Squash at 2016 - Bring it on!"

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT YOUR CLUB?

Please let us know and log on to www.worldsquashday.com to upload preview material about your event, and post news and pictures on the day as an amazing day for squash unfolds across all the different time zones.

Clubs can register their Squash 2016 Day events on the World Squash Federation website www.worldsquash.org (or go direct to www.worldsquashday.com) and will have the opportunity to make instant donations to the Olympic Bid Fund.

Resources from England Squash

2009-05-13T10:20:00.002+01:00

England Squash and Racketball have produced three documents which are invaluable for clubs and associations looking to get involved on May 23rd :

Information Pack

Contacting the Media

Press Release Template

On the Radio in Chicago

2009-05-13T10:05:00.003+01:00

A 60-second 2016Day promo on Chicago's Radio PSA

LISTEN

ROCK STAR JUMPS IN TO LAUNCH SQUASH FOR 2016 DAY

2009-05-11T14:29:00.002+01:00

Squash For 2016 Day is tuning up for a high-volume launch on May 23rd with a leading rock star staging a spectacular stunt to support the game’s bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.

Phil Buscke, a guitarist with New Zealand hard rock band The Datsuns, will be dressed in his Squash For 2016 T-shirt as he does a bungee jump from Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Buscke, who used to play A grade squash in New Zealand and was a member of the Kiwis' high performance squad before The Datsuns gained international fame, says he is determined to help raise the profile of the game in its crucial build-up to the Olympic voting process.

Phil said: "I've been asked to do a lot of things by Squash New Zealand in the past, but I never thought they'd ask me to jump off a bridge."

On the Olympic bid, he added: "All I can say is, if I'm throwing myself off a bridge, squash had better bloody well get in!"

On splitting his time between recording and touring with The Datsuns and playing squash, he said: "I don't get much time to play when I'm overseas, but I'm planning to spend a bit more time at home in future and would like to do a bit of coaching."

Squash 2016 Day on May 23 is a fun-filled worldwide festival of activities to promote the Olympic bid and attract new participants to the sport.

Major events are taking place all over the globe with special focus on the four cities bidding to host the 2016 Games, namely Chicago, Madrid, Rio and Tokyo.

In the USA, squash legends Jonathon Power and John White will be appearing in the 100-a-side Battle Of The Border match at the Apawamis Club in Connecticut. Also there will be women's world No.2 Natalie Grainger, fresh from her appearance in the final of the Cayman Islands Open.

Squash will also be getting the Hollywood treatment in Los Angeles, where the local squash community are planning a massive day of activities.

Squash fans will be taking to the streets in a number of cities, including London, to wave Squash For 2016 Day banners in front of iconic buildings such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

With similar activities taking place at key locations all over the world, Squash For 2016 Day organiser Alan Thatcher says: "We hope to build up a massive bank of images which will clearly illustrate squash's global appeal, which is one of the key messages of the sport's bid for Olympic inclusion."

AROUND THE WORLD ON MAY 23rd

2009-04-19T09:36:00.005+01:00

We are now making some definite plans to co-ordinate a very simple but hopefully effective publicity programme on May 23rd.

The plan is this: Large groups of squash players gather at iconic locations all over the world and raise banners saying SQUASH FOR 2016.

In London we plan to visit many different locations in the city.

We could start at Greenwich Time Museum on top of the hill, then head to the Dome, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, City Hall, Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre, the Gerkhin, St Paul's Cathedral, Covent Garden, then Buckingham Palace (plus a few major railway stations).

If we can get similar events going in major cities all over the world then the response could be phenomenal.

We want organisers to upload the pictures to the Squash 2016 Day website hour by hour (see side panel) as we move through the different time zones and by the end of the day we will have a fantastic collection of images to send to international media.

We will alert the major national and international photographic news agencies (Reuters, Getty, Action Images) to cover the event in the hope that we can generate some significant media attention.

Reuters and the BBC were very supportive during the Canary Wharf tournament and Reuters produced TV programmes on the Olympic bid for three different regions, including their Arab service.

Just imagine the following locations:

Sydney Opera House
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Great Wall Of China
Hong Kong Harbour
Taj Mahal
Pyramids
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Buckingham Palace, London
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Niagara Falls
San Francisco
CN Tower, Toronto
Brooklyn Bridge
Grand Central Station, NY
White House
Grand Canyon
Las Vegas

PLUS many, many more all over the world!

It is important that events take place in the four cities bidding to host the 2016 Games - Chicago is already on board in a big way but we need to get things moving in Madrid, Rio and Tokyo.

Alan Thatcher
.

Squash for 2016 Banner

2009-04-15T14:27:00.003+01:00

Here's a banner that you can download and use at your clubs ... or any other uses you can think of !

Squash for 2016 Video

2009-04-12T10:37:00.000+01:00

SQUASHING ALL OVER THE WORLD ON 2016 DAY

2009-04-09T11:53:00.001+01:00

World of squash unites to support Olympic bid

The world of squash is uniting to support the sport’s bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic programme with a massive worldwide festival on May 23rd.

The popular World Squash Day is being re-branded as Squash 2016 Day as National Federations all over the globe organise a massive programme of events.

Every squash club on the planet is being urged to throw open its doors to promote the sport and help the Olympic bid.

Squash 2016 Bid Team Member and former world champion Peter Nicol said: “Our ultimate aim is for every club in the world to open their doors on this one special day, to show people what a fantastic sport we have, to get media and personalities involved, and encourage new participants to take up the game.”

The event is endorsed by the World Squash Federation - and World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher said: “This gives every squash club the opportunity to support two major objectives: to raise the profile of the sport and to raise valuable money for the Squash 2016 Bid Fund.

“The Olympic bid is an ambitious project which, if successful, will give squash a deserved place in the Olympic Games. That bid process is not cheap and it is up to every squash player to help the cause.”

Nicol added: “Squash 2016 Day is free to join and we look forward to seeing a massive response, with clubs and federations employing their creative powers to organise fantastic global festival of this brilliant game.”

WORLD SQUASH DAY - PLANNED EVENTS

2009-04-08T20:49:00.006+01:00

This article is for YOU to post what's happening at YOUR club, just add a comment telling us what's planned. Once it's happened, you can post your report and photos ...