 |
|
    |
Celebrate Women's Squash at Ontario Singles Closed Championships *NEW
PSA To Roll Out Video Review For All TV Events
Canadians ready to make some noise at women's world junior squash championships
Osborne, McCue eliminated at world junior squash championships
Squash hires Mike Lee to help 2020 Olympic bid
Duo’s marathon squash challenge
Sudbury's Michael McCue fourth at Pioneer Cup squash tournament
WSF Welcomes Inclusion of Squash on Olympic Games Shortlist
Toronto Wins 2015 Pan Am Bid!
Documentary: The Hashim Khan Story
Ontario and the Bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games
Celebrate Women's Squash at Ontario Singles Closed Championships
Women squash players and those who LOVE Women squash players!!
The theme for 2011 World Squash Day is "Women in squash" and we can't think of anything more exciting and appropriate to celebrate at this time.
Fresh on the heels of our Canadian women (Sam Cornett, Miranda Ranieri and Steph Edmison) winning the Gold medal at the Pan-Am games, the inspiration of Maria Toor Pakay, our growing and competitive women's T&D leagues and the unbelievably special junior women playing in Ontario and at the NSA on a daily basis - we want to throw a party that celebrates their efforts and the continued growth of women's squash in Canada.
As a result, we are making a BIG push to get as many women and junior women as possible to participate in the 2011 Squash Ontario Senior Closed Championships. And to show our appreciation, our Saturday evening social event will be...
“Women’s Night at the NSA!!”
The Saturday night dinner/party will feature a series of exhibition matches between our top senior and junior Canadian women (including Maria Toor Pakay) as well as a women's doubles (on the singles court) event, a dance party and a "women’s only happy hour" sponsored by BDO and Cameron's brewery. In addition, we will have a raffle that will help to raise money for women's squash and include a variety of amazing products and services geared towards our women's squash players.
Please support this important event by coming out to play the tournament, donating raffle items, and making sure that you book off your Saturday night to stick around and celebrate women's squash, in style, at the NSA.
As World #1 Nicol David was quoted as saying in support of this event..."Anyone can play it! This World Squash Day is focused on getting women and girls of any age to join squash and to create a social trend among your girlfriends to keep fit with squash."
Squash Ontario
Toronto Wins 2015 Pan Am Bid!
On November 6th, 2009 the Pan American Sport Organization (PASO) voted Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe to host the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. The Toronto region beat out bids by Lima, Peru and Bogota, Columbia in the first ballot of voting.
The Pan Am and Parapan Games will see over 10,000 participants and 250,000 visitors to the region from over 40 countries across the Americas. Athlete's will be competing in an array of sports that encompasses all sports in the Summer Olympic program as well as other notable non-Olympic sports, including squash. The winning bid also brings with it a $1.4 billion plan which includes an athlete's village and new venues such as an indoor velodrome, a stadium for athletics, and two new 50-metre pools.
It is sure to be an exciting time in the region as preparations get underway. Be sure to visit the the Toronto 2015 website for updates and additional information on the bid and future plans.
Keep Eye on Ball: The Hashim Khan Story
Squash Films Productions is in the final stages of production on a documentary movie about legendary squash player Hashim Khan. Keep Eye on Ball: The Hashim Khan Story has been years in the making for director/producer Josh Easdon and producer Beth Rasin. The film includes footage from trips to Europe, Pakistan and various U.S. locales; a history of squash; interviews with current and former squash greats from around the world; as well as other members of the Khan dynasty.
To learn more about this or other projects, and to view the trailer, visit www.squashfilms.com
Hashim Khan and M.A. Karim shake hands after Khan wins his first British Open in 1951.
From the British Open 1950-1951 yearbook: Record of Khan's first win at the British Open.
Thank you to Squash Films Productions for providing the above images.
• It was derived from the game of racquets.
• Private courts emerged across England in the 1890s
• Followed by the creation of club courts in the early 1900s.
• The popularity of squash grew in the post-World War I era
- Becoming more prevalent than racquets in the 1920s with courts in clubs, schools, and colleges.
• Rules were also established in the 1920s, as were national and international
competitions.
• Originally it was called squash tennis in the US, using a lawn tennis ball & tennis racket.
• There are two versions of squash:
- Softball, the standard international version of the game, originally known as the “British” form of the sport.
- Hardball, known as the “American” version, where the focus is on quick reflexes and creativity in play.
- In softball, the ball is softer and slower than hardball; also the court is wider in softball making it more physically demanding.
• An 'American' hardball court is narrower at 18 feet 6 inches (5640 mm), than the
‘International’ softball court which must be 21 feet (6400 mm) wide.
• The floor and wall markings of an ‘American’ hardball court differ slightly from the
'International' court, including a lower tin at 15 inches high.
• Squash was named the ‘Healthiest Sport’ in 2003 by Forbes.com.
• Shortlisted to be added to 2016 Olympic Games roster.
----------
Sources:
"Squash rackets." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Accessed 14 July 2008. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/561738/squash-rackets>.
“Sports Facts – Squash.” Hot Sports Link Online. Accessed 14 July 2008. <http://www.hotsportslinks.com/sports_facts/squash.htm>.
Neal Santelmann. “Ten Healthiest Sports.” Forbes.com. 1 Oct 2003. Accessed 15 July 2008. <http://www.forbes.com/2003/09/30/cx_ns_1001featslide.html?thisSpeed=20000>.
Slater, Matt. “Squash Deserves Olympic Place.” BBC Sport Online. 23 Mar 2007. Accessed 11 July 2008. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/squash/6480037.stm>.
Number of Courts by Country
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Squash and the Olympics
By: Laura Mauer
***AUGUST 13th, 2009***
SQUASH NOT SELECTED BY THE IOC FOR OLYMPIC INCLUSION >>>
Olympics 2016: where now for sports discarded by IOC? >>>
The squash world is abuzz with the thought of squash being added to the 2016 Olympic Games roster. After narrowly missing the opportunity to be part of the 2012 Games, all eyes and ears are on the possibility of squash, named the healthiest sport in 2003 by Forbes.com, joining the world’s most important sporting event. While this would be viewed as an enormous triumph for the game and all those involved, what exactly are the implications to squash world in becoming an Olympic sport? The following highlights some of the many benefits and few drawbacks to a sport such as squash joining the world stage at the Olympics.
The first, and arguably the primary benefit to any sport being added to the Olympic Games, is that of the ‘free’ but extremely powerful marketing opportunity it provides the sport, subsequently increasing its recognition around the world. The Olympic Games allow for a globalization of sport as the media coverage is astonishing.
The Olympics are one of the most watched sporting events with approximately 200 nations broadcasting the events live. This exposure would generate attention not only for the sport of squash itself, but the participants as well. Specifically, squash would be included in the Summer Games, coinciding with the sport’s offseason, leaving the best players free to represent their respected nations, allowing it to truly be a showcase of the world’s top squash athletes. The increased awareness of the sport and its players establishes an opportunity for nations, governing bodies, clubs, leagues, and the individual players alike to benefit, namely in terms of additional sponsorship and advertising revenue, as well as further funding and donations for the nonprofit organizations whom govern the sport. The inclusion of squash on the Olympic roster also provides nations with an opportunity to capitalize on the star power of their athletes and their accomplishments, adding to the countries status on the world stage, as well as patriotism at home.
Second, with the growing awareness and interest of the sport also comes increased participation. Just as volleyball, triathlon, and snowboarding experienced a surge in participation levels after becoming Olympic sports, it is expected squash would incur a similar trend. This would result in a multiplier effect on the squash community, including a rise in club memberships, equipment consumption, tournament entries, and also create a higher standard of play; as the best would be challenged on a more frequent basis, subsequently affirming the accuracy of the squash player rankings.
One other key benefit of being an Olympic sport is that of the inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games. In 2010, Singapore will host the first ever Summer Youth Games featuring all 26 sports on the current Olympic roster. Thus, if squash were to be added to the adult games, the Youth Games would not be far behind, further increasing the sport’s reach and raise participation levels in the younger demographic. As the youth are the future of the game, this would allow for a smooth generational transition within the sport as the Baby Boomers age.
While there are many benefits associated with the notion of squash becoming an Olympic sport, a few drawbacks loom as well. In particular, like all sports in the Olympics, squash would be subject to the political turmoil that often overshadows the Games; including everything from boycotts to scandals to terrorism concerns. However, overall it is evident that the benefits of being an Olympic sport far outweigh the potential downsides for squash, the sport, and its community.
Here’s to being added for 2016!
TO READ SQUASH CANADA'S SQUASH 2016 DAY BLOG CLICK HERE
NEWS!! - Articles of Interest Regarding Squash and the Olympics:
IOC - Golf & Rugby Join 2016 Olympic Programme
World Squash Federation -
Squash United Behind 2016 Olympic Bid
GamesBids.com - Squash Deserves Olympic Inclusion
GamesBids.com - Squash 2016 at ANOCA to Promote Sport
Canada.com - IOC Could Choose Two, One, or None of Seven Sports
----------
Article Archive:
World Squash Federation Press Release - Squash Shortlisted for 2016
World Squash Federation Press Release - Beijing Experience Boosts Jahangir Khan's Hopes for Squash in 2016 Games
Squash360.com - Malaysian Nicol Guns for Olympic Inclusion
World Squash Federation - World's Top Players Pledge Support for Squash Olympic Bid
World Squash Federation - Squash Presents Its Case to the IOC
World Squash Federation - Athlete Ambassadors Rally in New York
Squash Canada - Squash Eyes 2016 Olympic Dream
World Squash Federation - Peter Nicol Outlines Squash 2016 Dreams
World Squash Federation - Squash Stars the World Over
World Squash Federation - European Juniors Back the Bid
GamesBids.com - World Squash Day Promotes Olympic Inclusion
World Squash Federation - Squash Leaps Towards 2016 Olympics
World Squash Federation - Hannah Shines at IOC Presentation
GamesBids.com - Squash Prepares for IOC Presentation
World Squash Federation - Squash Makes a Worldwide Racquet for Olympic Bid
----------
Sources:
Slater, Matt. “Squash Deserves Olympic Place.” BBC Sport Online. 23 Mar 2007. Accessed 11 July 2008. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/squash/6480037.stm>.
Neal Santelmann. “Ten Healthiest Sports.” Forbes.com. 1 Oct 2003. Accessed 15 July 2008. <http://www.forbes.com/2003/09/30/cx_ns_1001featslide.html?thisSpeed=20000>.
The Olympic Museum. The Modern Olympic Games 2nd Edition. 2007. Accessed 10 July 2008. <http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf>.
Anonymous. “Top sports to watch.” Sporting Goods Business. San Francisco: Jun 1995. Vol. 28, Iss. 6; pg. 45. “Home.” USA Gymnastics Online. Accessed 9 July 2008. <http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/Default.aspx>. And Griffin, Cara. “Multiple Choice.” SGB. New York: May 2005. Vol. 38. Iss. 5; pg. 20.
“The Games.” Singapore 2010 Online. Accessed 14 July 2008. <http://www.singapore2010.sg/night/index.htm>.
“Olympics (A Special Report): The Olympics and Politics.” Wall Street Journal. (Eastern edition). New York: 12 Apr 2008. pg. R.2.
Ontario and the Bid for the
2015 Pan Am Games
By: Laura Mauer
(Editor's Note: This article was written prior to the federal government's announcement supporting Ontario's bid. However, the article is still an important read for Ontarians in order to fully understand the implications of hosting such an event.)
The clock is ticking on the window of opportunity for Ontario to formally bid to host the 2015 Pan American Games. Ontario’s $1.77 billion bid plan spreads the hosting duties across Toronto and other municipalities in the Southern Ontario region. The bid has already been backed by the cities of Toronto, Hamilton, and Mississauga, as well as the Ontario provincial government; it is now awaiting support from the federal government in the amount of $590 million.
However, speculation is swirling that if the Canadian government holds out much longer to confirm their financial backing of the bid, it will be too little too late. But why is the federal government holding out, aside from the monetary price tag of the bid? Perhaps because despite the many positive affects of hosting such an event, there are potential negative repercussions for the host communities too. Here is a look at some of the primary effects, both good and bad, of hosting a mega-event such as the Pan Am Games.
To begin with, becoming a host city, or in this case host region, of a large-scale event usually results in the area improving upon its infrastructure, benefiting not only the sporting community, but society as a whole. This consists of, but is not limited to: new facilities, road improvements, and increased and better signage on transportation routes. In particular, the Ontario bid plan includes up to six new Olympic-size swimming pools across the region for the Games, and for the squash playing population this could easily lead to new and improved courts as well. The additional facilities and enhanced infrastructure would also add to the likelihood of the area hosting other mega sporting events, including another Toronto bid for the Olympic Games.
Playing host to the forty-plus nations which comprise the Americas, as well as sports fans from around the world will also give rise to a terrific marketing opportunity for the municipalities. They would be able to leverage the Games wide-spanning reach and showcase the area’s many splendors as a means of boosting tourism in the region.
Hosting the Pan Am Games would also spark an advantageous ripple effect in the current makeup of the Sports and Recreation sector of the economy. Entering and winning a bid of this magnitude would generate more funding and support for sports across the country from government, as well as private sector organizations. This includes increased focus on athlete, coaching and officiating development in an effort to reach for the podium on home soil. Furthermore, a successful bid would give rise to increased participation levels in sports with either hopefuls vying for a place in the hometown action, or conversely individuals trying to emulate their sports heroes. Either way, both lead to the same result – an upward trend of health and fitness in the nation.
While the many benefits of hosting the Games appear to make backing the bid seem like an obvious choice for the Canadian government, evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that there are indeed negative consequences in doing so. Specifically, there are concerns of financial debt for the new facilities. This is due to the fact that many venues go virtually unused after the mega-events, not operating at their ideal capacity levels. As well, studies have shown that tourism does not in fact profit to the same magnitude that was once assumed as a result of hosting the event. There is proof that consumer spending in host cities is relatively unchanged by the event as many visitors to the area are ‘sport junkies.’ In particular, other non-sports related attractions in the region suffer because these sports enthusiasts attend only the Games’ events and activities. While there would be a rise in hotel and restaurant spending, the increase would be offset by the absence of non-sports tourists who are deterred from visiting the area, choosing less congested vacation destinations instead.
So, as the January 31st, 2009 bid deadline to host the 2015 Pan Am Games nears, will the federal government step-up and support Ontario’s bid plan? For the sporting community’s sake at least - one can only hope.
LINK TO: TORONTO 2015 - The Official Site of Toronto's Bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games
Articles of Interest Regarding Ontario’s Bid for the Pan Am Games:
GamesBids.com - Softball, Baseball, Squash Await Decision On Olympic Inclusion Shortlist
GamesBids.com - Peru Wants Toronto To Postpone 2015 Pan Am Bid
Government of Ontario - Ontario Offers Support to Guadalajara 2011 PanAm Games
Toronto 2015 - Pan Am Games Evaluation Team in Toronto August 30-31, 2009
GamesBids.com -BOA Supports Toronto 2015 Pan Am Bid
Toronto 2015 - Toronto Submits Athlete-Focused Bid for 2015 Pan American Games
GamesBids.com - Toronto 2015 Releases Pan Am Games Bid Book
Article Archive:
GamesBids.com - Ontario Supports 2015 Pan American Games
GamesBids.com - Federal Government Supports Southern Ontario's 2015 Pan Am Bid
GamesBids.com - Southern Ontario's 2015 Pan Am Bid Gets Positive Response in Beijing
GamesBids.com - Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Bid Officially Launched
GamesBids.com - Toronto Mayor Wants Guarantees for Toronto 2015 Pan Am Bid
Toronto 2015 - Toronto 2015 Pan Am Bid Team Unveils Venue Plan
GamesBids.com - Road to Excellence Supports Toronto 2015
GamesBids.com - Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Athletes’ Village Announced
Toronto 2015 - PASO Delays 2015 Pan Am Games Bid Deadline Due To Swine Flu Concerns
Toronto 2015 - Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Bid Representatives Present a Copy of Toronto's Bid Book to Premier McGuinty
----------
Sources:
Howlett and Curry. “Federal indecision threatening Toronto's Pan Am Games hope, advocate complains.” The Globe & Mail. Toronto: 10 July 2008.
“Ontario Supports 2015 Pan American Games.” Games Bids Online. 7 Jun 2008. Accessed 9 July 2008. <http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1212865794>.
“A beginner’s guide to the social impacts of the Olympics”. Games Monitor Online. Accessed 10 July 2008. <http://www.gamesmonitor.org.uk/node/333>.
“2015 Pan American Games Bid.”. Canadian Sport Institute. 5 May 2008. Accessed 9 July 2008.
<http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2008/General/gc080505/Pan%20American%20Games%20Bid.pdf>.
Higham, James. “Commentary — Sport as an Avenue of Tourism Development: An Analysis of the Positive and Negative Impacts of Sport Tourism.”Centre for Tourism, University of Otago. New Zealand. Pg. 82-90. Accessed on 11 July 2008. <http://www.multilingual-matters.net/cit/002/0082/cit0020082.pdf>.
