Basic HTML Version
Photo source: Ameykhanolkar, wikipedia.
Photo by: Dave Dyet
W
orld Squash Day has been hailed an outstanding
success by event organisers, with the global event
designed to attract 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.
One project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, 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, 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.
In New Zealand, home of former world champions Susan Devoy
and Carol Owens, squash leaders have extended their programme
from a single day to a whole year. Squash New Zealand has
designated 2012 as the Year of Women’s Squash to increase
female participation.
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.
Whilst in the UK, Newcastle’s Eldon Leisure Centre, a former home
of the British National Championship, held a women’s tournament
and open day. Also, World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher
led a day of fun and fitness activity in Kent to attract new female
players to squash and announced the formation of a new county-
wide competition for women, the Kent Grand Prix Series.
touchline
15
Insight
World Squash Day hailed success
17 Herbert Place Dublin 2 Ireland
Tel: (01) 639 5800 Fax: (01) 639 5850
Email: info@odon.com Web:
www.odon.com
O’Driscoll O’Neil
Insurance Brokers
• Billiards
• Bowling (indoor,
lawn and ten pin)
• Bridge
• Chess
• Choirs
• Croquet
• Darts
• Golf
• Music/Drama
• Pitch & Putt
• Skittles
• Snooker
• Swimming
• Table Football
• Table Tennis
• Archery
• Athletics
• Aqua Gymnastics
• Ballet/Dance (including
Irish Dancing)
• Baseball/Softball
• Canoeing
• Cricket
• Gymnastics
• Handball
• Keep Fit
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Triathlon
• Volleyball
• Water Polo
• Badminton
• Basketball (individual)
• Cycling
• Fencing
• Hillwalking
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Netball
• Orienteering
• Racquetball
• Running
• Squash
• Tennis
• Tug of War
• Windsurfing
• Soccer (Individual)
Protection to all clubs, leagues and players.
Comprehensive cover for all amateur clubs and leagues
safeguarding the players, members, voluntary workers and
committees against legal action taken against them or their club.
Sports insurance produced
in association with:
Specialising in the following sports (and more):
Contact Us today for a quote: