Squash superstar Nicol David is holding an auction of her favourite rackets and clothing to help the sport's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.
David, the 26-year-old world No1 from Malaysia, is leading the Squash For 2016 Day events being held in her home city of Penang on Saturday March 23rd.
Up for bidding will be many of the rackets she has used to win 25 major titles on the WISPA World Tour, plus many of the outfits she has worn on court during those finals.
Nicol has already begun the auction on ebay, and will also be holding a live auction at the Penang International Squash Centre on Squash For 2016 Day.
Nicol, who is an Olympic Ambassador for the World Squash Federation, said: "It would be a dream come true for me, or any squash player for that matter, to be able to represent their country in the Olympic Games.
"Through our event in Penang, we hope to help raise at least US$10,000 of the total funds required to help Squash in the 2016 Olympic bid."
The most successful Malaysian sports star of all-time, Nicol David was voted 'Malaysian Sportswoman of the Year' - for the sixth time – two months ago, and last year became the youngest person ever to receive a 'Datukship'.
For more information on the event in Penang, please visit www.squashstars.com/events
Squash Goes Live On TV In NZ
In addition to The Datsuns guitarist Phil Buscke leaping off Auckland Harbour Bridge for a bungee jump to launch Squash 2016 Day, he will also be joining world No10 Shelley Kitchen and various media folk on court for a live TV transmission on the breakfast news next Friday (May 22).
As well as going on court with Shelley, TV presenter Tamati Coffey will also be interviewing former world champion Dame Susan Devoy live on air.
Hong Kong Invites IOC Member
HK Squash has invited IOC Member Timothy Fok to meet with all the coaches attending the World Squash Coaching and Development Day on May 23 to include Olympic Ambassador Rebecca Chiu, the current world No15, along with the press.
Battle Of Britain Flypast At Lincoln
Lindum Squash Club in Lincoln, England, is planning a truly spectacular addition to their Squash 2016 Open Day on May 23. Organiser Nigel Jubbs is hoping the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be able to arrange a fly-over for the event.
Many of the aircraft will be taking off from RAF bases in Lincolnshire and Nigel hopes to have a group of squash enthusiasts in the frame for a fantastic photo opportunity as the planes pass overhead.
Nigel says: "We are holding a free open day from 10.00 till 4.00, we have coaches on hand all day, we have companies supporting the day with attractions on the sports field, and are just waiting on confirmation for the flypast."
Media Support
UK Daily Telegraph sports journalist Rod Gilmour, who writes an online squash blog, says he is impressed by the energy behind squash's Olympic bid.
He says: "Squash is quite clearly doing more than any of the six other sports bidding for 2016. The bid team has been in the right places and the lobbying has been very consistent. The IOC really should be seeing the value of squash as an Olympic sport and how much it means for the players."
Hear, hear. Thanks for that, Rod.
Registration
Clubs can register their Squash 2016 Day events on the World Squash Federation website www.worldsquash.org (or go direct to www.worldsquashday.com) and will have the opportunity to make instant donations to the Olympic Bid Fund.
Special T-shirts will be on sale featuring the Squash 2016 logo, with proceeds from each sale supporting the Bid Fund. Orders can be placed with Kentbridge Sports via www.kentbridgesports.co.uk - while T-shirt sales in the USA are being co-ordinated by the Harrow brand via their website www.harrowsports.com