WSF Delegation Reports from Buenos Aires
Andrew Shelley, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Diego Elias,
President Ramachandran, Andreina Benedith and Ramy Ashour
September 6, 2013
There are now only two days left before the IOC Session in Buenos Aires makes the decision on which sport will be included for the Olympic Games 2020.
The squash bid, which started with us achieving a place on the initial shortlist over two years ago, has continued with questionnaire completion; inspection events; presentations to the IOC Programme Commission and IOC Executive Board, and now the final one to all members this month; media releases; social media blasts; advertising; mailings of brochures and other materials; film production; lobbying and meetings.
Under the leadership of WSF President Ramachandran, the whole sport has supported the bid in every way. From PSA and WSA, their members, to national federations, clubs and individuals, squash has pulled together magnificently and shown just how united we are.
Thank you to you all, everybody has played a part as we edge towards the vote. We have made a strong case, we hope it resonates with the IOC Members. Whatever happens though, we have a wonderfully enduring and resilient sport and will keep moving forward.
TWO DAYS UNTIL DECISION DAY
The squash presentation party (L to R): Shelley, Fitz-Gerald, Elias, Ramachandran, Benedith, Ashour
Friday 6 September, Buenos Aires: The WSF delegation that will present our case to join the 2020 Olympic Games at the IOC Session on Sunday has been preparing for the presentation and today hosted a press conference attended by worldwide TV crews and journalists. The WSF delegation: N Ramachandran, WSF President; Men’s World Champion Ramy Ashour from Egypt; former Women’s World Champion, Sarah Fitz-Gerald from Australia; Pan American Junior Champion, Diego Elias from Peru; Andreina Benedith, the United States U-19 Urban Squash Champion from the Bronx, and Andrew Shelley, WSF Chief Executive. WSF President N Ramachandran, “During our 10 year campaign to join the Games we have never stopped listening, learning and innovating. On Sunday we hope to demonstrate to the IOC that Squash is a sport that represents the future, not the past.” Sarah Fitz-Gerald, “The biggest regret in my playing career was that I never had the chance to play at the Olympic Games, so being able to play a part in Squash’s final presentation to the IOC is a huge honour. Now, as Chairman of the WSF Athlete’s Commission I hope that I can play a role in persuading the IOC membership that the next generation of squash players will be a fantastic addition to the Olympic Games Programme. Ramy Ashour, “In many ways I feel like I’m preparing for the biggest match of my career. So much is at stake, not just for me, but for young players’ right across the world such as Diego and Andreina Diego Elias, “It is a huge honour for me to be here in Buenos Aires as part of the Squash presentation team. Competing in the Olympic Games is something that I think about every single day”.
Andreina Benedith, “Squash has given me an amazing opportunity in life and I can honestly say that being part of the Squash Olympic presentation team is a tremendous honour. I really do hope the IOC gives Squash a chance.”
