American Peter Lasusa has been elected as World Squash
Federation (WSF) Vice President at the WSF AGM held in the Egyptian
capital Cairo today.
Lasusa, a former Chairman of US Squash is the President of Management
Leadership Resources Inc.
Upon his election, Lasusa commented: "I would like to congratulate my
predecessor Gar Holohan who did so much work for the last two years, and
now I look forward to applying my broad experience in many aspects of
our sport to help WSF achieve its vision. I am genuinely excited!"
Holohan had completed a two-year term, in which he involved himself
fully across all facets of WSF business, with a special interest in
governance and branding. Following the vote, WSF President Jacques
Fontaine paid tribute to the Irishman for his commitment to the role.
Vice President Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the five-time World Champion from
Australia, was returned unopposed for a second term for the other Vice
President position that was being contested by rotation. (The President
and other two Vice President terms end in 2020).
The Federation AGM, with 45 nations represented and superbly hosted by
the Egyptian Squash Federation, was presided over by President Fontaine,
and also dealt with formal business. This included amendments to the
Articles of Association (reinforcing safeguarding policy); adopting
updated World Squash Anti-Doping Rules; reducing the general warm-up
period before the start of matches from five minutes to four minutes;
Forward Plan and accounts.
The conclusion of the meeting saw Fontaine make a presentation to
Chris Herridge, the retiring Chairman of the WSF Courts and Equipment
Commission after thirty years as the world authority on everything
related to court construction and products. The President also
acknowledged the Egyptian Federation, presenting President Assem Khalifa
with a plaque recognising their hosting.
Closing the meeting, Fontaine said: "Squash is united to move forward to
see the sport flourish, and achieve an Olympic Games place in Paris in
2024. I devote myself to both these objectives."
The preceding day had seen the important wide-ranging WSF Conference
where delegates heard about and discussed such topics as the squash bid
for a place on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Programme, and an updated
strategic outline - both in partnership with the Professional Squash
Association (PSA).
Other topics included the review into the delegate voting formula at
AGMs; updates on general areas of activity such as World Squash
Officiating, Coach Education and Championships, amongst others.
Naturally, with the AGM being held in Egypt, the opportunity was also
taken to include a presentation to give delegates an insight into the
Egyptian pathway to great international squash success.
