BEGINNER SQUASH CLINIC

Do you know someone that would like to try out the best sport in the world? Ask them to take part in the Beginners Squash Clinic designed for people who have never played squash before.

This is a great way to learn the game and meet fellow members at the same time! Clinic runs for three 1-hour sessions from 6-7pm on Tuesdays, Sept. 15 to Sept. 29.

NO-LYMPICS

Another slap-in-the-face decision for squash as the IOC has voted (again) not to include squash into the 2016 Olympic Games. For me, the issue should be laid to rest and squash should focus on other important concerns such as global growth and marketing. However, the result of the vote is exceedingly perplexing.

Squash was considered a front runner out of the seven sports vying for 2 open spots on the Olympic agenda. Not understanding the IOC voting system whatsoever, squash along with Roller Sports (whatever that entails), did not receive one single vote. The 2 sports that did get in? Golf and Rugby 7’s. Rugby 7’s is actually a modified version of Rugby—it would be like voting in 3-on-3 basketball, without voting in basketball. And the reason given by the IOC president Jacques Rogge: “All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion… In the end the decision came down to which two would add the most value.” In other words: Money. Rogge continued: “Golf and Rugby scored high on all the criteria. They have global appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.” And squash doesn’t? I don’t believe that Olympic inclusion is the ‘golden egg’ that squash needs to propel it to international recognition and respect, but it would be a start. The next chance for squash is for the year 2020, but no more time should be wasted trying to join an exclusive club where it is clearly not welcome.

DOUBLES SELECT TOURNAMET

Scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 7, the Doubles Select Tournament matches up the top ranked doubles players with the lower ranked ones. For example, if 32 players have registered, team one would pair up the number 1 ranked player with the 32nd ranked player, team two would be the 2nd ranked player with the 31st ranked player, and so forth. The intent is to make all teams as evenly matched as possible.

Members are to enter as individuals and I will form all the teams. This is a great opportunity to play with and against members you would not normally step on court with. Since all teams are theoretically the same standard, the knock-out draw will be done completely randomly. Matches are played best of 5 games, without a consolation draw.

All the matches will have a deadline for completion, and any matches that are not completed within 10 days of the deadline will be forfeited. It is the player’s responsibility to get the matches done!

The players on the winning team will receive a special shirt with their names stitched on it. Registration deadline is Friday, September 4.