WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Seventh WISPA Tour Begins In Jordan

A visit to Amman, the capital city of Jordan, kicks off the seventh annual WISPA Promotional Tour from 1-11 September.  Inspired by the Women's International Squash Players' Association, the tour will also include activity in Turkey and Greece.

The 2005 tour, the latest initiative in WISPA's continuing drive to promote women's squash around the world, will be spearheaded by world champion Vanessa Atkinson, from the Netherlands, and the USA's world No5 Natalie Grainger, the WISPA President.

The Tour itinerary will feature exhibitions, clinics, press conferences and meetings with sports bodies in Amman, Istanbul and Athens, organised in close co-operation with the three countries' National Squash Federations.

As in previous years, press conferences and television coverage will bring squash to the notice of the public - while local squash players will be able to watch the two WISPA stars, and a lucky few will even get to play a few points with the players too.

"Another year, another opportunity to fly the flag for international squash in three smaller squash nations where the media and local players can take advantage of having two top stars coming to them," explained WISPA Executive Director Andrew Shelley.  "We can only do a very little to help the development end of the sport, but take the view that every little bit helps."

Paying tribute to Atkinson and Grainger, Shelley added:  "This project relies upon players giving their time freely, and it is incredibly uplifting that again this year Vanessa and Natalie did not hesitate before saying yes.  And with the enduring superb international support of Tom Tarantino from Philadelphia, with hosting provided by the host countries, we are able to make this happen."

Echoing the thoughts of all three hosts, Ayten Kecici, President of the Turkish SRA, said:  "We have a small squash community in Turkey, but interest is growing, and having the two top WISPA women will definitely help us as we try to show off what a great sport squash is."

WISPA's promotional tour concept was launched in 1999 with a visit to the Czech Republic.  Successive years featured trips to Jamaica, El Salvador, Peru, Kenya, Thailand, Brunei, Sarawak, Russia and, last year, China and Nepal.