Events across globe register for World Squash Day

With just over two weeks to go until World Squash Day 2008, clubs around the world are registering their events on the WSD website.

Saturday March 15th will see squash players from across the globe celebrate the sport while also raising money for Sport Relief ...

Events scheduled to take place include:

- a 24-hour squash marathon in Hungary
- a squash day at the Miramar Resort Squash Club, Kalamoun, Lebanon
- a Mini-Squash carnival in Kowloon Park Piazza, Hong Kong
- a Fun Handicap tournament at Tynemouth Squash Club, England

On Saturday 15th March squash clubs worldwide can join in the fun with a range of sponsored events. Squash teams can also improve their fitness by taking part in one of the hundreds of Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events taking place across the UK on Sunday 16th March.

World Squash Day is endorsed by the World Squash Federation and supported by a host of national governing bodies. In previous years, events have taken place in more than 40 countries and have supported the sport's bid for a place in the Olympic Games.

WSF Chief Executive Christian Leighton said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for squash clubs to enjoy a weekend of fun activities and also to get involved with Sport Relief.

"All of the events held by squash clubs will be good for the game and any money raised will be spent by Sport Relief to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and in the world's poorest countries.

"We are expecting support from squash clubs and national governing bodies all over the world."

World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher, chairman of the Kent SRA, said: "This is great news for the sport and it gives every squash club on the planet the opportunity to support two major objectives: to raise the profile of squash and to raise valuable money for Sport Relief.

"It's free to get involved and squash clubs around the world are being asked to open their doors to the public, to hold fun events to promote the game, to attract new members and to show the world what a fantastic sport we have.

"We will also be encouraging clubs to raise money for Sport Relief by staging sponsored events during the weekend."

Comic Relief Fundraising Manager Carolynne Evans said "We are absolutely thrilled that World Squash Day is supporting this year’s campaign and that squash clubs across the UK and beyond will rise to the challenge to raise a heap of cash for Sport Relief."

World Squash Day - background

World Squash Day was founded following the terrorist attacks in America on September 11th 2001. A number of squash players were among those killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center, including Derek Sword, a former Scottish junior international player who was squash champion at New York Athletic Club.

Several of Derek’s friends decided to create something special in his honour, and also provide something tangible for squash. Hence World Squash Day was born. Among the annual activities is a challenge match between New York and a UK team who compete for the Derek Sword Trophy, a magnificent silver rose bowl donated by Derek’s employers, KBW.

About Sport Relief

Sport Relief harnesses the power and passion of sport to change lives for the better.

By playing sport, having fun and raising money, everyone can do good and feel good.

Comic Relief spends the money to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and in the world's poorest countries.

For more information on Sport Relief go to www.sportrelief.com

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568

World Squash Day 2008
Sport Relief