Squash Olympic Delegation Represents Global Reach
September 6, 2013 - 3:49pm
0 comments
Delegation hopeful that IOC will take on a new sport
Friday 6 September, Buenos Aires: The World Squash Federation (WSF) delegation that will present its case to join the2020 Olympic Games at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session on Sunday, is increasingly hopeful that its case to join the Games will succeed. Squash is one of three sports being considered by the IOC for inclusion in the 2020 Games, but the only one never to have featured in the Games.
The WSF delegation, led by its President N Ramachandran, includes Men’s World Champion Ramy Ashour from Egypt; former Women’s World Champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald from Australia; Pan American Junior Champion Diego Elias from Peru; Andreina Benedith, the United States U-19 Urban Squash Champion from New York; and Andrew Shelley, WSF Chief Executive.
The WSF delegation, pictured above, are (L to R) Andrew Shelley, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Diego Elias, President Ramachandran, Andreina Benedith and Ramy Ashour
WSF President N Ramachandran said: “Squash’s journey to join the Olympic Games has been a long one. Our current bid – the third consecutive by Squash – began in earnest two years ago and over this time we have been through a robust process and travelled the world presenting our case. So in a very real sense Sunday’s presentation will be the culmination of a 10-year campaign by Squash to join the Olympic Games.
“Squash can offer something exciting and fresh to the Olympic experience, and we are proud to be the only new Olympic sport on the shortlist. Squash would be low cost and easy to integrate into the Games with just 64 athletes. We could share a venue if required, or be located to showcase an iconic backdrop – and we have a track record of doing exactly this, such as in front of the Pyramids.
“We are a genuinely global sport, played in 185 countries by many millions across the world. We are growing in regions such as South America, central Europe, China, and India as well as in the more traditional Squash areas including the United States. The order books of court manufacturers are the fullest they have ever been. During our 10-year campaign to join the Games we have never stopped listening, learning and innovating.
“On Sunday we hope to demonstrate to the IOC that Squash is a sport that represents the future, not the past.”
Australia’s Sarah Fitz-Gerald, five-time winner of the World Open, said: “The biggest regret in my playing career was that I never had the chance to play at the Olympic Games, so being able to play a part in Squash’s final presentation to the IOC is a huge honour. Now, as Chairman of the WSF Athletes’ Commission, I hope that I can play a role in persuading the IOC membership that the next generation of squash players will be a fantastic addition to the Olympic Games Programme.
“Squash can honestly say that we are now more than ready. Our sport has been on a journey of innovation in recent years, especially in the way it is broadcast and presented. State-of-the-art all-glass courts, referee video review, lighting and music have radically enhanced the spectator experience. Our sport also embraces gender parity and many of our key events have equality in prize money for men and women. These are themes that we will certainly bring to life in our presentation.”
Egypt’s Ramy Ashour, Men’s World Champion and World Number One, added: “In many ways I feel like I’m preparing for the biggest match of my career. So much is at stake, not just for me, but for young players right across the world such as Diego and Andreina. I was part of our team that presented to the IOC Executive Board in May, and so to be given the chance to play a part in our final presentation to IOC members is a great honour.
“I look forward to telling them that Squash reflects the essence of Olympic Sport – it’s gladiatorial, physically-demanding and mentally-challenging. We are already played in every major multi-sport Games and the respected Forbes Magazine has described us as the ‘world’s healthiest sport’, and of course we have a 100% doping-free record.
“I’m only 25, but I know that our sport has been on a journey, and I really do hope and pray that this journey leads me to the Olympic Games in 2020, where I can make my country proud and win Gold for Egypt.”
Peru’s Pan American Junior Squash Champion Diego Elias said: “It is a huge honour for me to be here in Buenos Aires as part of the Squash presentation team. Competing in the Olympic Games is something that I think about every single day. I will be 23 in 2020 and I really do believe that I have the ability to win Peru’s first Olympic gold medal since 1948 and make my country proud. I am an example of the many new countries that would fight for medals if Squash is given the chance to join the Games.
United States U-19 Urban Squash Champion Andreina Benedith added: “Squash has given me an amazing opportunity in life. As a young girl growing up in the Bronx, Squash gave me the skills and opportunities I needed to change my life and be the best I can be on and off the court. Squash is really growing in the United States and we now have over one million players. It’s been an amazing year for me having won the Under 19 US Urban National Squash Championships and I can honestly say that being part of the Squash Olympic presentation team is incredible. I really do hope the IOC gives Squash a chance.”
The delegation working hard in rehearsals ahead of Sunday
|
|
n/a