WORLD SQUASH NEWS WSF Backs World Squash Day Initiative The World Squash Federation (WSF) is backing the World Squash Day initiative by urging its 120 member nations to support this "exciting opportunity for everybody involved in the game to work together on one special day of the year." World Squash Day was launched in 2002 with events staged in more than 20 countries. The WSF's backing of this year's event on Saturday 29 March is expected to rally enthusiasts all over the globe. "The World Squash Federation is delighted to endorse and promote World Squash Day and urges all member federations to encourage every club on the planet to throw open its doors and become involved on this one very special day," said WSF President Jahangir Khan, one of the sport's greatest ever players. The fourfold objectives of the day are: to attract new players to the sport; develop media coverage for the game; show the world what a great sport squash is; and raise funds for under-privileged and emerging squash nations. The WSF has compiled an information pack listing ideas of how all clubs and associations can become involved. Member nations will be invited to promote the idea of World Squash Day to every squash club and sports centre which has squash courts - encouraging these establishments to come up with their own ideas for the day, or get involved with activities such as: · BRING A FRIEND (the principal option for the day): Players will be encouraged to take a friend, who has NOT played squash before, to their club and introduce him or her to the sport. Clubs might provide free courts for this and also lay on a social programme during the day and the evening to show new players just how a Squash Club makes a vital contribution to your life. There might also be an exhibition match to show newcomers how the game really SHOULD be played! · BEAT THE PRO, OR BEAT THE COACH: All professional players and coaches can hold special coaching clinics for club members and those new to the sport - offering prizes to those challengers winning most points. · PRO EXHIBITION MATCHES: Professional exhibition match followed by club activities, including fun doubles, round robin tournaments, or team events. Finish with a World Squash Day party! · SQUASH MARATHONS: Hold a 24-hour squash marathon involving players of all ages and abilities and finish with a World Squash Day party! · INTER-CLUB CHALLENGES: Neighbouring clubs can join forces to promote World Squash Day by holding friendly Challenge Matches involving players of all ages and abilities. · WORLD SQUASH DAY WARM-UP: This is where the professionals and coaches can show club players how the pros warm-up, stretch and practise their skills! Followed by a variety of activities listed above. · FAMILY FUN: Events for fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters just get the whole family involved! · CELEBRITY EVENTS: Invite a local celebrity to take part, as well as staff from your local newspapers, TV channel or radio station. Try to generate as much publicity as possible and build lasting partnerships with your local media outlets. · SQUASH QUIZZES: Improve your squash knowledge with a squash quiz as part of your World Squash Day party. · FUND RAISING: World Squash Day will aim to raise funds for emerging and under-privileged nations to encourage the continued worldwide growth of the sport. Alternatively, clubs can raise funds for their own pet projects such as junior development. · SPONSORSHIP: World Squash Day is an ideal opportunity for clubs and associations to invite potential sponsors along to watch or take part in events, to see what a wonderfully exciting and entertaining sport we have, and join in with the social side of the occasion. You can, of course, invite existing sponsors to say a big Thank You for their support. For further details of activities in 2002, and plans for 2003, visit the World Squash Day website www.worldsquashday.org and click on the EVENTS link.