|
Click Pics for Larger view
 SQUASH
2016 DAY JUMPS INTO ACTION
By ALAN THATCHER
Squash 2016 Day was launched in spectacular style today
as rock star Phil Buscke of New Zealand band The Datsuns did a bungee jump off
Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The event showed just how far squash players will go to
display their support for the sport's bid for Olympic inclusion in 2016.
Guitarist Buscke, an A grade squash player, jumped not
once, but twice - proudly waving a banner with the message "Squash and the
Olympics, a Perfect Match".
 Buscke
said he has been asked to do many things by Squash New Zealand over the years,
but nothing quite so dramatic as jumping off the bridge.
"That was amazing, such a huge adrenalin rush - I'd do
it again in a heartbeat."
The spectacular stunt is the precursor to a worldwide
flurry of activity as the global squash community unites in support of the
Olympic bid.
BATTLE OF THE SEXES
Squash stars all over the world are also involved in a
host of Squash 2016 Day activities tomorrow in a worldwide festival to promote
the sport's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.British stars Alison Waters
and Stacey Ross are leading a host of events in London, with former national
champion Waters playing Mark Cowley in a Battle of The Sexes exhibition match at
Southgate, and world No.39 Ross hosting a day of fun activities at the Lakeside
Club in Wimbledon. Ross said: "Our squash membership is thriving, but we'd still
like to encourage more people to play and to join us because it is a great
sport."
FINNS TAKE TO THE STREETS
Finnish ace Olli Tuominen, the current world No.21, is
hosting a day of Mini-Squash in the streets in Helsinki. He said: "We
encouraging youngsters to simply hit a ball against a wall to give them a taste
of the game. When they see how much fun it is we hope they will then want to
join a squash club." Tuominen will be playing a match against national
association secretary Lotta Vuorela against the wall of the Finnish Sports
Federation. They have also produced a seven-minute video:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1533838
INDIA
Indian star Ritwik Bhattacharya is involved in a huge
day of action and said: "We are holding one of our State League fixtures where
128 players from Maharashtra between the ages of eight and 65 will compete.
We're also holding a 30-a-side game on that day as well at two venues in
Mumbai."
NEPAL INVITE OLYMPIC GUEST
The Nepal Squash Rackets Association, are holding a
one-day team event with undreds of players and guests from clubs, corporate
houses, foreign missions, the police and the army.
Amar K.Simha, President OF THE Nepal Squash Rackets
Association, said: "We plan to deliver an 'Olympic Appeal' before the tournament
in an inaugural ceremony to the chief guest, who will be the Vice-President of
the Nepal Olympic Committee."
RIO IN THE RUNNING
In Brazil, ten regional associations are running events
this week, with a special focus on Rio de Janeiro, one of the four cities
bidding to stage the 2016 Games. Advertising space has been bought in the Rio
media to promote the activities, with a group of enthusiasts jogging round the
city to pose for pictures at iconic locations including Copacabana Beach and the
Statue of Christ The Redeemer.
FREE SQUASH IN VIENNA
Two live radio broadcasts are being planned in Vienna,
where every squash club in the city is throwing open its doors to offer free
lessons in a day porganised by McWil Courts and the Vienna Squash Association.
They have also set up a brilliant website:
www.squashday.at
KEEN IN KENYA
Kenya Squash has organised their national under-19
tournament at Parklands Sports Club. Canadian Coach Rene Denis, assisted by
Kenya-based Zambian Pro Prince Mukuka and some top players, will be staging
exhibition matches and offering free coaching tips to kids and adults who walk
in. At the Rift Valley Sports Club, Kenya-based Zambian Pro Mordecai Kabamba
will be giving free coaching for youngsters.
SQUASHING ALL OVER POLAND
The Polish Squash Federation are holding events in
Warsaw, Krakow and
Poznan (with information at
www.pfs.com.pl).
PHILIPPINES BACK THE BID
The Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines' (SRAP)
will be holding the third leg of their National Championships tomorrow to
coincide with Squash 2016 Day! A spokesman said: "This time, we will
make it to the olympics."
| 
