World Squash Day March 19 '05
Dec 23, 2004, by SquashTalk Staff; SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2004;

World Squash Day Continues for 2005
World Squash Day, a five-year-old concept conceived by UK based reporter and promoter Alan Thatcher, has been announced for 19th March 2005 and endorsed by the World Squash Federation and England Squash.

The event, which started small and has gained momentum since, has not really caught on in countries such as the USA, but has been successful in certain localities and clubs. It is a grass-roots initiative, whose focus in on local club-based activities to spread the word about squash and recruit new converts to the sport.

With respect to squash in the USA, the choice of dates for 2005 is unfortunate as it conflicts with the US Squash National Championships in Cambridge, MA taking place that same weekend, which will fully occupy the energies of the US squash community.

This year, the event is working to gain steam by focusing on Squash's ongoing Olympic Bid activities. As organiser Alan Thatcher points out: "SQUASH is one of five sports short-listed for possible inclusion in the 2012 Olympics Games. And now is the time for squash players all over the world to unite behind the bid and start making plans for World Squash Day 2005."

World Squash Day is endorsed by the World Squash Federation, England Squash and numerous governing bodies around the world who are urging clubs to give their full support to World Squash Day 2005 and hold a day of special activities to promote the sport and to support and publicise squash's bid for Olympic inclusion in 2012.

"The aims of World Squash Day are simple," added Thatcher. "We want EVERY squash club on the planet to throw open their doors, stage a day of activities to promote the sport, get the media and local celebrities involved, attract new players and show the world what a great sport we have."

WSF President Jahangir Khan is backing the plans for World Squash Day 2005. The ten-times British Open champion said: "This is a very exciting time for squash. We are very close to a place on the Olympic Programme and the support of squash players and enthusiasts around the world could make the difference.

"Please rally around World Squash Day and make sure that we present the best possible case to the IOC," urged the sport's most famous name. "If you do only one thing, please take a friend who has never played squash on to a court and give them a taste of the thrills to be had from our sport. Good luck with all your efforts."

The organizers suggest various idea for grass-roots club efforts including, Coaching Clinics, Fun Tournaments, Bring A Friend Challenge, The Coach or Pro Handicap Tournaments, Doubles Tournaments, Inter-Club Challenges, World Squash Day Marathons, World Record Rally Challenge.

The World Squash Day organisers have produced T-Shirts to promote squash's bid for Olympic inclusion. These can be purchased from PowerPlay Sports in the UK.

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