Stars Ride & Shine For World Squash Day by Howard Harding
15 October 2015
- Clubs all over the planet made a racket for World Squash Day as the
sport bounced back from its Olympic disappointment to demonstrate all
the attributes that make it one of the fastest-growing sports on every
continent.
World Squash Day 2015 - on Saturday 10 October - united nations large
and small, and embraced every playing level from free beginners'
classes to events involving the world's leading professionals.
As well as staging events to promote the sport, World Squash Day also
raised valuable funds for Unicef, the world's largest children's
organisation.
The Delaware Investments US Open, currently taking place in
Philadelphia (WSD enthusiasts pictured above), donated a percentage of
ticket sales from the first round of play.
There were many innovative projects designed to involve as many clubs as possible.
There were some outstanding projects which saw squash academies building partnerships with their local communities.
In Malaysia, former world No.18 Sharon Wee held a free coaching day at the University of Malaya courts in Kuala Lumpur.
The packed programme, which attracted significant TV coverage, included free sessions for underprivileged children.
Sharon's squash academy is championing a youth squash programme
dedicated to helping underprivileged children. "We are at the stage of
getting the squash community together with sponsors, ministries and the
sports council," said Wee, pictured above. "We're all very passionate
about making this happen.
"I promise to pull it through. The underprivileged children deserve the chance to be champions in life and their chosen sport.
"Squash has given me a great journey of life. Squash is my school of life and I want the children to experience it, too."
In the Republic of Ireland capital Dublin, former world No.7 Derek Ryan
led Squash Link Ireland on massive cycle ride, stopping off at 20 clubs
on the way to play matches against members.
A two-day festival at The Mote Squash Club in Kent, England, ended up
with coaches Chris Tomlinson and World Squash Day co-ordinator Alan
Thatcher each receiving a cream pie in the face (pictured below, left
and right, respectively) after their juniors celebrated exceeding their
fund-raising targets after serving breakfasts to members.
The biggest sum of money was raised for Unicef via a World Squash Day
auction set up by Lichfield Squash Club member James Roberts, who
received some generous bids for items of squash memorabilia donated by
star players.
A signed shirt provided by England's three-time world champion Nick
Matthew, and a white ball autographed by former world No.2 Jenny
Duncalf and Malaysia's record eight-time women's world champion Nicol
David, both received bids of more than £200.
World Squash Day global co-ordinator Alan Thatcher said: "We saw some
amazing events take place all over the world, from El Salvador to St
Petersburg, and many places in between.
"It was wonderful to see so many thriving squash communities
demonstrating the essence of the sport, which is having huge amounts of
fun on court, while promoting the world's healthiest sport and raising
significant sums of money for Unicef in the process.
"We are already in discussion with the PSA about involving the world's
leading players in next year's event, to ensure that World Squash Day
enjoys another day of fun, fitness and friendship, and delivers the
maximum impact possible to support Unicef."
World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran added: "World Squash
Day has become synonymous with bringing the sport together - and this
year was no exception. A range of activities, especially those
involving youngsters, are always a key feature, and adding support for
Unicef, has made a perfect link.
"The WSF is very grateful for all the hard-working volunteers and all
those who took part, whose efforts made sure that the Day was a
resounding success internationally."
