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	SquashTalk>Sarah Fitz-Gerald >with the SquashBusters [last update was 19-mar-01 ]
*Sarah Fitz-Gerald with Director Orla Doherty and the Boston Squashbusters*

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				Sarah Fitz-Gerald's day at SquashBusters by Orla Doherty, Squash Director at SquashBusters. March 2001 Working for SquashBusters has made me realise the value of people's time. Day after day, week after week, I find myself schmoozing, pleading or sometimes even assuming that professional people will show up to volunteer at a squash practice. I rely so heavily on volunteers and we constantly remind the kids how important these people are, both in academics and on the squash court. Needless to say, when someone famous like Sarah Fitz-Gerald comes into town, the kids can hardly wait to meet her and get to have one rally with this legend. It helps that I've known Sarah for 10 years or so, and that she had planned on staying in my apartment while she was visiting Boston, so she didn't have much of a choice when I suggested that she come along to a practice. My casual suggestion turned into something more serious when I handed an agenda the night before, telling her exactly what she would be doing and for how long. Sarah being Sarah, was delighted to be a part of this. Afterwards, Sarah chatted with Greg Zaff (Founder and Executive Director of SquashBusters). ORLA: So Sarah, what did you do during the SquashBusters practice? SARAH: In one afternoon during a SquashBusters practise session, I joined in with the kids warm up session, where they were learning stretching exercises, I checked out the kids doing their academics as well as going on court and playing points, ¾ court and general activities. The other interesting thing for me was driving through their neighbourhood to pick them up from school. It was fun cause the kids sang all the songs on the radio and were really having fun together as a group. ORLA: What did you think of the program? SARAH: It is an excellent program and completely selfless of all the staff and volunteers. They work hard to help educate and help these urban kids. These kids are given a fantastic opportunity to get ahead in their life. The rules are strict so the kids know that they have to show incredible effort to stay with the program. One kid missed out on the opportunity of meeting and playing me as he had misbehaved and this was his punishment. ORLA: Was there anything specific that showed you this is a different program from other youth organisations? SARAH: Yes, I heard a story about Iara Valaci who is a current SquashBusters student. She came to the US with her family 5 years ago, from Brazil. Her older sister was part of the first team in SquashBusters, and her younger brother has just been selected for next year's program. Iara's mother has often spoken at SquashBusters fundraisers expressing how much SquashBusters has done for her children. She said how she took her family to America to find the 'American dream', and SquashBusters has played a vital role in that for her children. The organization has given the Valacis so many opportunities that they would never have had the chance to do, had they stayed in Brazil. Greg Zaff founded founded this program 5 years ago and already, his idea has spread to New York, where StreetSquash is up and running. Philadelphia, Washington DC and Dallas have all expressed an interest in developing the same type of program. The great thing about this program is that the sport of squash is being used as a catalyst. These kids are hooked on the game and they learn how to improve their studies and grades, and they also help within the community by doing service projects on the weekends. Squash is the fun part for them, and without the program they would not have had the chance to play. ORLA: Have you taken anything away with you from your experience at SquashBusters? SARAH: I can honestly say I enjoyed my time at SquashBusters and what I learnt from my experience. Visiting their neighbourhood, seeing the kids' enthusiasm for the sport was a reality check for me. Seeing the enjoyment the kids got from my brief visit or a few rallies with each of them was a true reward. I hope to come back again in the near future and I hope other professional players participate in the program also. ORLA: Greg, how do you feel about Sarah showing up at practice? GREG: I think it's fantastic. Especially for the girls, to see a professional athlete of this level. For some of the girls, it's not 'cool' so to speak, for them to push themselves or even sweat. I really appreciate the fact that Sarah came along and gave up her time. She is a very lovely person and spent a lot of time talking with the kids. She embraced them and we all felt very comfortable having her around. We hope that Sarah will be able to appear at the opening of our new building that we are working hard to have ready in 2002. SquashBusters mission is to challenge and nurture motivated urban youth to fulfil their personal potential, to self and others, by insisting upon best effort, respect, and integrity on the squash court, in the classroom and throughout the community. Anyone interested in learning more about this not for profit organization please see our website at www.squashbusters.org, or phone +1-617-442-8838.

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