World Squash Day is Saturday 5 November - are you ready?
Published on: 13th October 2011
The world’s leading female squash stars are lending their support to World Squash Day.
A worldwide programme of events will take place on November 5 to promote increased female participation in this high-energy sport which is battling for Olympic status.
Clubs all over England are being encouraged to open their doors and stage events to attract female players of all ages and abilities.
World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher, who is president of the Kent SRA, is busy promoting the message throughout his own county and beyond.
He said: “We will be holding free introductions to squash, racketball and fitness sessions taking place on court at a number of clubs. The accent is on having fun and making sure that squash clubs can provide a welcoming environment for women of all ages.
“We will be launching new competitions for women, with local leagues based in several towns to encourage participation. There will be fun sessions for the recreational players, special classes for those who want to get fit through squash, and we will also focus on providing extra activities for those with a more competitive streak.”
England’s leading players are right behind the scheme.
JENNY DUNCALF, the world No.2 from England, added: “I think it's a great idea to try and get more women involved in the game.
“Squash is the perfect game for women of all ages to take up and enjoy. It provides the ideal workout to stay healthy and in shape as well as being mentally stimulating and fun.
“So the message for World Squash Day is to pick up a racket and see for yourself … you won't look back!”
ALISON WATERS, the 2010 British national champion, said: “Squash is the perfect sport for females to take up. Get a group of your friends together and not only will you have a fun social time but think of all those calories you will be burning in one workout! What could be better, fun, friends and fitness!”
NICOL DAVID, the world No.1 and five-times world champion from Malaysia, is right behind the programme.
She said: “Squash appeals to women everywhere; anyone who is looking for the perfect sport to pick up. It provides the best all-round workout and it's a lot of fun with friends.
“Anyone can play it! This World Squash Day is focussed on getting women and girls to join squash, so create a social trend among your girlfriends to keep fit with squash.”
CAROL OWENS, a former world champion from New Zealand, joined in on court with members of the All Blacks rugby team during an earlier World Squash Day. She said: “Squash is a brilliant game that can be played all year round. It’s fast, fun, strategic and competitive. It’s totally addictive.”
FACT FILE:
FACT: Squash is the best calorie-burner of all indoor sports.
FACT: Squash was rated the No.1 sport for fitness by the influential Forbes Magazine in America.
FACT: World Squash Day is all about fun, friendship and fitness.
WORLD SQUASH DAY: IDEAS FOR EVENTS
Ideas for events are published on the WSD website: www.worldsquashday.com
You can also download a free poster to publicise your activities.
To maximise publicity, you can register your event and let the world know that you are part of the big day.
LIFE WITH THE PROFESSIONALS
Female professional squash players are members of WISPA, the Women’s International Squash Players Association.
The WISPA World Tour is growing year on year, staging tournaments in some spectacular locations, including England, Egypt, Monte Carlo, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, USA, Canada, France, China, Qatar, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
Several events are staged in the open-air, with fabulous venues including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) and the Cayman Islands.
There are Rising Star and Challenger events for younger professionals, and a WISPA Gold Series for the game’s leading professionals.
WISPA Tour Guide online: www.wispa.net
Resources for planning an event:
