PSA & WSF Engage Weber Shandwick for Squash Paris 2024
Olympic Games Bid
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) and World Squash Federation (WSF)
have appointed Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global
communications and engagement firms, as communications campaign partner
to provide strategic counsel and global public relations to support the
bid for squash to be included in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Programme.
Commenting on the appointment, WSF President, Jacques Fontaine said:
“Becoming a Summer Olympic medal sport has been a long-time dream and
goal for the sport of squash. “We are engaging in our fourth bid to be
included in the Games’ programme, with more passion and a clearer vision
than ever before. Given Weber Shandwick’s vast Olympic experience and
its innovative, forward-looking approach, the agency is the preferred
partner to help us make the case for our sport.”
The campaign follows the signing, on September 11th, of a Memorandum of
Understanding between the WSF and PSA. The MoU allows for the two bodies
to work in unison towards achieving a joint vision for the future of
squash on a global scale.
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “The Olympic ambition is a
cornerstone of the unified structure that we created with WSF in order
to expand squash’s international profile as a sport and grow it at both
professional and grass roots levels. Weber Shandwick’s appointment will
greatly support us in achieving our joint goal and communicating our
cohesive vision.”
Weber Shandwick has over 20 years of experience in supporting campaigns
related to the Olympic Games, producing award-winning work for
successful Olympic bids and Organising Committees, including most
recently Los Angeles 2028, Beijing 2022, Tokyo 2020 and Sochi 2014. The
firm has also supported federations and clubs, as well as sponsors and
host destinations. The agency brings a strong understanding of the
environment in the new era of Olympic Agenda 2020, which outlines a
strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.
Svetlana Picou, Chair, Global Olympic and Sport Affairs, Weber Shandwick,
commented: “The sport of squash has undergone a significant
transformation in recent years, becoming truly innovative, inclusive and
urban, while preserving its qualities as a well-established sport.
Squash is a perfect blend of unique sport heritage and excitement of the
new. We look forward to helping WSF and PSA demonstrate why squash will
be an excellent and complementary addition to the programme, and how it
embodies Olympic Agenda 2020.”
About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications and engagement firm
in 77 cities across 31 countries with a network extending to 129 cities
in 81 countries. The firm’s diverse team of strategists, analysts,
producers, designers, developers and campaign activators has won the
most prestigious awards in the world for innovative, creative approaches
and impactful work. Weber Shandwick was the only public relations agency
included on the Advertising Age Agency A-list in 2014 and 2015 and the
only PR firm designated an A-List Agency Standout in 2017. Weber
Shandwick was honored as PRWeek’s Global Agency of the Year in 2015,
2016 and 2017, The Holmes Report’s Global Agency of the Year in 2010,
2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017, and The Holmes Report’s Global Digital Agency
of the Year in 2016. The firm deploys deep expertise across sectors and
specialty areas, including consumer marketing, corporate reputation,
healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, employee
engagement, social impact, financial communications and crisis
management, using proprietary social, digital and analytics
methodologies. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE:
IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com
About WSF
The World Squash Federation (WSF) is the IOC Recognised International
Federation for the sport of squash. It represents the interests of the
sport as a whole, and features membership of 148 nations. The
responsibilities of WSF include the Rules of Squash, governance,
officiating, world championships, junior and masters circuits, coaching,
development, technical / construction standards, and ball / equipment
specifications amongst many other areas. Liaison with regions and
nations is a primary role, as is the close partnership with PSA who
manage professional squash. The WSF website may be found at
www.worldsquash.org
About PSA
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) is the global governing body
responsible for the administration of both men’s and women’s
professional squash around the world. With over 800 registered players
and over 200 events taking place in all four corners of the globe every
year, the PSA World Tour showcases the game of squash at its highest
level in some of the world’s most unique and stunning locations.
Encapsulating all that is good about top flight professional squash,
combining athleticism, skill, fitness, tenacity, power, drama and above
all else, passion, the PSA World Tour is the pinnacle of world squash.
For more information, visit www.psaworldtour.com
[Left to
right] Jacques Fontaine, WSF President, Svetlana Picou, Chair, Global
Olympic and Sport Affairs, Weber Shandwick, and Alex Gough, PSA CEO,
during the World Squash Federation AGM and Conference in Marseille on
December 3, 2017