It’s been 20 years
since Greg Zaff, a Williams alumnus and All-American tennis and
squash player , started Squashbusters, the first urban squash
program in the nation.
He had the backing of former USSRA president Lenny Bernheimer and many senior members of the Boston squash community.
The idea was
dramatically innovative- make use of squash as a vehicle to engage
inner city young people and improve their academics, their physical and
mental well-being, and transform their lives for the better.
It worked. The concept
has been smashingly successful and has been replicated in many cities
across the country and even internationally .
NUSEA is the
organizing body which links all the Urban Squash programs. NUSEA
is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Urban Squash with a gala
weekend in NYC 16-18 January 2014.
The highlight of the weekend will be a dinner held on Saturday evening, 17 January 2014.
On a number of
occasions I have written on DSR to express my deep disappointment with
certain aspects of the state of squash in America today.
However one of the shining beacons of success has been the urban squash programs.
I urge all members of
the squash community to click on the NUSEA website link,
www.nationalurbansquash.org and make arrangements to come to the dinner
.
NUSEA, and all the urban squash programs, are absolutely deserving of the support of all the squash constituencies.
They function in a
cost- effective way, they enjoy enthusiastic and enduring
volunteer support, and most importantly, they get results for the
student-athletes.
There are very few
causes and issues which transcend political ideology and party
allegiance, but urban squash is one of them.
Its backers and
contributors span the political spectrum from rock- ribbed
republicans to the most progressive of democrats. I urge everybody who
reads this to hit on the website, buy a ticket, buy a second
ticket for your significant other, and come to the dinner.
NUSEA a very deserving cause, and the money will be put to very good use.
You’ll see “
everybody” in the squash clan at the dinner, and at the same time
you’ll do something good for young people who desperately need all of
our support.
Now that’s a winning combination.
Yours In Squash,
GUY CIPRIANO
Guy Ciprianowas
NJ state champion in 1995 and Met NY doubles champion in1988 in
partnership with Steven Berliner. He was competed in league and
tournament play since 1977. Guy was USA Lapham- Grant captain in 1993.
He plays at the Whippanong , Short Hills and Tuxedo Clubs.
What's On My Mindis a column by rotating authors. Contact: DailySquashReport@gmail.com
