BY DR. GEORGE MIERAS, WSF OLYMPIC BID CO-ORDINATOR

Dear All,

The 2016 Olympic Bid – a Review and Critique post Berlin

Further to the short statement sent out immediately after the result was announced, President Ramachandran would like you all to have a much more detailed report and analysis of the campaign, Berlin and the future.  I was in Berlin all Wednesday and Thursday and we both attended the press conference.  First, our thanks to the many of you for the warm, supportive and encouraging messages received and much appreciated.

We were deeply, deeply disappointed to hear the decision announced, like so many of you all around the world.

So first, how come this decision?  I think I began to suspect it might go this way in Lausanne in June. Particularly telling was a conversation with an ex journalist massively experienced in the workings of the IOC who congratulated us on our presentation but said; “you do know that the decision is made, it will be rugby and golf”.  We had IOC President Rogge publicly stating his wish that rugby would be chosen by his EB colleagues. In Berlin another quote emerged from a powerful EB Member – “we hope to reach consensus on the sports before voting”.  I became personally aware of this operation being planned late Thursday night, not being totally bereft of political antennae!  One comment made was along the lines that 5 sports provided a veneer of respectability for a process in which 2 sports, pre-ordained to emerge, duly did so!

I would urge those who are particularly upset at what appears on the surface to be a rejection of squash when one looks at the EB voting trail to recognise that, if the situation I have described might indeed have been in place, such analysis is fundamentally flawed as it is impossible to obtain a true reflection of support for each sport (see comments from the softball and baseball fraternities). With such a small voting number the process changes from an arithmetical exercise into, shall we say, ‘an art form’!

Why the decision? I think it is all summed up in President Rogge’s reply to a question “these two sports bring extra value to the Games”. None of the other sports could match the potential for bringing in spectators, sponsorship and TV of these two huge and very commercial sports. What this therefore represents is a significant shift on the part of the IOC, adding the need for such commercial value to the long established Olympiad criteria and ideals, which we certainly fulfilled so well.  The IOC is far from immune to the effects of the recession and long term needs to ensure income to maintain what is an expensive operation. One can see the logic though saddened by the implications.

Are there any positives? Yes indeed, positives must be taken from this. The press conference was delayed an hour to allow President Rogge to write to President Ramachandran, and I quote: “On the occasion of your presentation to the Programme Commission and the Executive Board, we have been most impressed by the professionalism and thoroughness of your proposition. Upon review of your documents, we certainly noted progress on many fronts since 2005, and you should be commended for this positive evolution. We are convinced that your dedication will further contribute to the development of your sport.  Once more, on behalf of the IOC Executive Board and the Programme Commission, I would like to thank you and the entire squash family for the work engaged and the excellent collaboration we have enjoyed throughout the 2016 Programme review process”.

Also massively positive was the way the squash community at all levels came together to support this bid. From the miniest Junior to the wrinkliest Master involved in the Squash 2016 Day, through Clubs, Centres, Member National Federations and Regional Federations, the Players Organisations and so many individual professional players, our Accredited Companies, the squash media – your support in donating, publicising the cause and wishing it well showed the strength of our great squash community; we can and should be proud of that.

The Olympic Future? There may be one slot available in 2020, hence we must maintain contact with the IOC and keep a watching brief through our Olympic Committee so that, if such an opportunity should emerge, we are ready. All the experience gained from this campaign will be fully documented and available.  Those responsible will have to examine every aspect of our sport to see how squash might evolve to present a product with the ‘added value’ spoken of by President Rogge.

For WSF, we must now refocus and plan for life without the dream. We hope that many Members will come to the AGM in Kuala Lumpur in November. It won’t be the celebration party we had hoped for but nor should it be inward looking nor a wake. We must be positive and we want you to contribute to a ManCom led debate on the strategy for the way forward.

We do urge all to continue to send us any donations as WSF has a very large financial hole which if not filled will restrict us badly for some time to come. Please do help with contributions large or small; we need £100,000 as the target.

So 10 months of very hard work come to an end. It has been a privilege as WSF Bid Co-ordinator to oversee the incredible work and contributions by so many involved – the original task force, ManCom, ExCo and Olympic Committee Members, Lorraine and Jazz in the WSF office, Natalie, Peer et al in the USA, especially at Sportaccord, the superb presentation team in Lausanne, our PR/Media Company Juniper, our Media Consultant Howard Harding, our Olympic insider specialist Ms Ramona von Ondarza, and very much our inspiring Bid Manager, Scott Garrett. My most sincere thanks to all involved, and of course to those who prepared the way these many years before – our marvellous Patron, HRH Tunku Imran, past Presidents Susie Simcock and Jahangir Khan, as well as our ex CEO Ted Wallbutton.

Finally, whilst he is reluctant to let me add this, I feel it essential to state that when President Ramchandran took office in October he committed himself totally to this campaign. He personally established the platform, which allowed us to make the fully professional, highly credible presentation of which we should all be proud and so warmly applauded by President Rogge. Without this platform we would never have got anywhere and we all owe him a great debt of gratitude for it, plus our support now in his time as our President as he leads us in re-focussing and taking the sport we all love so much forward again.  Let’s bounce back – and higher!

Best wishes,

Dr George Mieras,
WSF Olympic Bid Co-ordinator

By ALAN THATCHER

The news that squash was not selected as one of two sports to go forward to the big IOC vote in October was disappointing enough. To learn that the sport failed to register a single vote at the IOC meeting in Berlin yesterday was devastating.

Let’s consider that position.

No votes at all. Zero. Nil points. Nothing. A total blank.

That’s where we are, folks. Not even on the radar when it came to the big IOC vote.

In squash terms, it was like the ultimate humiliation of a triple-bagel scoreline.

After golf and rugby sevens got the nod, ahead of squash and four other sports, IOC President Jacques Rogge said: “In the end, the decision came down to which two sports would add the most value.”

That’s protocol shorthand for “these two sports will make the most money for us”. I have written many times in the past about this subject and perhaps Mr Rogge’s admission proves that the IOC places higher value on commercial success than sporting integrity.

We were always led to believe that the ideals and moral values of the Olympic Games meant that we were watching the purest form of sport in the world. However, by adopting a “variety” of a major sport, as in the case of rugby sevens, it is like having the synchronised swimming and diving but without any actual swimming events.

Lots of raw emotions came tumbling out from squash lovers yesterday as the IOC decision was announced. There were bitter criticisms of the IOC on Facebook and various squash forums, plus one or two minor snipes at the squash governing bodies, but let’s examine Mr Rogge’s statement in depth.

In terms of the IOC’s commercial activities, large American corporations who sponsor the Games, and the TV networks that pay large sums for the broadcasting rights, must surely have some kind of input into the decision-making process. We would be rather naïve to expect otherwise.

The TV broadcasters know they can sell prime-time advertising slots for commercials during the golf and rugby sevens competitions, but squash does not enjoy the same kind of profile.

That’s not surprising. I hope I don’t get lynched at the US Open in Chicago for saying this, but ask any American about squash and 99 per cent of them will tell you it’s a vegetable. Most of the other one per cent think it’s a kind of racketball.

If you don’t believe me, set up a Google Alert to have any article about squash sent to your email inbox. You will soon be inundated with all kinds of recipes about what to do with left-over squash.

So, in terms of product recognition, we are not performing terribly well in the world’s major economy.

This is despite a vibrant governing body, a booming College League and a growing number of professional tournaments in the USA, which is rapidly becoming a major magnet for many of the world’s leading coaches.

All things considered, perhaps it’s not too surprising that an excellent presentation by the WSF for a sport that ticks all of the necessary Olympic boxes failed to make any headway.

So, where do we go from here? Our priorities as a sport must be to raise the profile of squash at all levels, increase participation levels, fight court closures and deliver high-quality TV coverage on a regular basis throughout the world.

I am preparing a dossier for the WSF with a selection of ideas as to how we can achieve this and look forward to reporting back in due course.

I do know that one brave individual is attempting to mount a legal challenge aimed at proving that the IOC’s voting procedure in Singapore four years ago, when squash and karate were voted in at the first stage and then removed by a subsequent second round of voting, was illegal.

Alan Thatcher is a journalist, squash’s No.1 TV commentator, a tournament promoter and a club coach. He is also busy with a sports club he recently co-founded in England (called TriSports) which provides sporting opportunities for young people, especially those who are homeless, unemployed or disadvantaged.

Update: It’s Golf and rugby in for 2016

It’s the 13th of August, and today’s the day when the IOC executive board decides which two among the seven 2016 sport hopefuls will have a chance to join the Olympic program.

The 2 sports that make it to the shortlist will then be put forward to the IOC  members for voting in Copenhagen in October 2009.

Squash is bidding for a place in the Olympic Games 2016 against six other sports: baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens and softball.

Join us for the live webcast of the IOC Press Conference from Berlin, Germany at 15:00 GMT +1 here.

The moment had arrived for all 6 of us to present our case for squash to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Our team was made up of HRH Prince Imran (Patron of WSF and IOC Committee member), Mr. Ramachandran (President of WSF), Thierry Lincou (Current World No. 8 from France), Siyoli Lusaseni (South Africa No. 2) , Hana Fekede Balcha (13-year old Ethiopian squash player, based in San Diego) and myself—all spearheading for squash to give it our all in the presentation room at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.

All of us have been in Lausanne over the weekend to prepare for this momentous occasion, some of us were winning it for their team in France during the club championships but still made it on time to join the team to make an impact when we face the IOC Executive Board.

On June 15 2009, we marched off to do our duties for squash. I, for one, was trying to compose myself before actually entering the room where 15 of the most powerful people in the World of Sport is right there in front of us and we just had share our passion for squash with them.

The whole presentation, led by Tunku Imran started off on a good high while the rest of us played our part in saying our speeches accordingly—completed by a DVD presentation (view it here). The highlight of the evening was Hana—she stood up and told her story on how squash changed her life and got a round of applause by all present in the room after she spoke. Such poise and sheer confidence that put most of us adults to shame.

On my part, I was the first to speak for our team of athletes and gave it everything I got by showing my complete and utter passion towards the game I love while stating out my points clearly to the Board members. I knew my responsibility was a big one and I didn’t want to let my squash family down.

After we finished our 20-minute presentation, we were getting ready for questions being asked but they had no questions and even gave us an added comment, saying that it was an excellent presentation! The sigh of relief and thrill we got from our side of the table was beside ourselves.

Before we left, Mr. President of the IOC did ask one final question after his concerns about not having an entourage following us professional squash players and wondered if our boyfriends or partners will be able to follow us players around during competitions. We had a bit of a giggle but Mr. Ramachandran passed the question to me and I just said ‘If I’m able to stay off the court long enough then maybe I could be able to find a boyfriend’. At least the room had a nice little laugh after that response so I was happy with that.

As we left the room, our team were jumping out of our skin with sheer joy that we gave it our ultimate best efforts and it’s now in the hands of the IOC Executive Board to give their final say. The emotions spread throughout our squash team because without the efforts of everybody, especially Scott Garrett and his team in putting together our presentation while planning Squash 2016 for us. It has been such a treat to be part of the whole experience.

I’m off to Rome now to carry on the WISPA Promo tour to continue to share this memorable experience with everyone around me.

See you!
Nicol

The Bid Team in Lausanne

Today marked a crucial step for the sport of squash in its bid for inclusion in the Olympic Games from 2016. A team of six squash representatives made their most important presentation so far to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland. But it was the youngest member of the group, 13 year old Hanna Fekede Balcha, who was the star of the show.

Hanna is Ethiopian, but her family moved to San Diego, USA, when she was nine years old to build a new life for themselves. Hanna was accepted to the Surf City squash program in San Diego which enables students to play squash alongside their studies. Through a structured programme which promotes hard work, both academically and physically, Hanna has progressed to being a Grade A student as well as Under 15 Urban Squash Champion. Her aspirations are now to push boundaries even further in becoming the first member of her family to go to university but also, at 20 years old, her dream is to represent Ethiopia at the Olympic Games in 2016.

Hanna said, “I was really nervous but enjoyed doing the presentation today. It has been amazing to travel to Switzerland and meet my hero, Nicol (David – World number 1 squash player.) I feel like squash has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise that when I was asked to take part in this presentation I jumped at the chance. I would be so happy to compete at the Olympic Games.”

Hanna joined the team consisting of IOC Member and Squash Patron, HRH Prince Imran of Malaysia, President of the World Squash Federation (WSF), N Ramachandran, women’s world No 1, Nicol David of Malaysia, former world champion, Frenchman Thierry Lincou and the up and coming South African, Siyoli Lusaseni.

Prince Imran introduced the team, and the Executive Board was then shown a spectacular video, highlighting a number of the key areas that squash believe make them a worthy candidate for inclusion. Among these were the progression the sport has made to be easier and more enjoyable to watch on television, the pledge that the top athletes would compete, the range of nationalities that would be represented (current rankings show there would be 30 different countries involved) the low cost and accessibility of the sport around the world.

President Ramachandran went on to explain how the WSF has improved the infrastructure of the game, and the way in which the professional organisations work to ensure that squash is totally ready to be easily incorporated into the Olympic Games. He also talked about the ease and low cost addition of squash as well as how the sport can easily be hosted in any of the four 2016 bid cities.

The players each outlined why, as athletes, the Olympic Games are so important to them personally, and the many benefits which squash can bring to people’s lives, and to the Olympics.

The full Squash 2016 bid video can be seen here at: http://www.squash2016.info/video/squash.mov

Ramachandran said, “I am very proud of the presentation we have put together and what we have achieved in getting this far. I believe that we have showed squash to its full potential. I know that we have much to offer the Olympic community, and I hope that the IOC will see the merits of our inclusion.”

For more about our Olympic bid information please visit www.squash2016.info

Note: It will be September before we know the results of the Executive Committee. The full IOC meets in October to sanction the Execution Committee’s recommendation…or otherwise. Till then, please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for squash!

]]> http://squashstars.com/the-presentation-of-a-lifetime/feed/ 2 http://squashstars.com/the-olympic-2016-postcard-pledge-competition-ends/ http://squashstars.com/the-olympic-2016-postcard-pledge-competition-ends/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000 squashbug http://squashstars.serenitymalaysia.com/?p=64

The Coveted Stash. Congratulations to the winners!

Leading up to World Squash Day—Squash Stars celebrated Squash for the 2016 Olympics by hosting a Facebook Group Competiton where our members could visually support Squash’s initiative in bidding to become an Olympic sport. These winning postcard pledges were then decided by all our group members through a democratic voting process.

Thanks for participating everyone! Here’s hoping for the best in our presentation to the International Olympic Council, next week!

*fingers crossed*

HERE ARE THE WINNERS!

(Click on thumbnails to see the full-sized image)

Suvanya's winning entry: The winner of the coveted Nicol David Autographed Squash Ball with the highest votes is Ms. Suvanya Sukumaran who will be going crazy with dental hygiene for Squash. "I pledge to brush my teeth with 100 different toothbrushes till it sparkles!" We are looking forward to the video, Suvanya!

Mei Ling's artistic entry: Ms Mei Ling, won with the 2nd highest amount of votes artistically illustrated her pledge—"If Squash makes it to the Olympics in 2016, I pledge to shave my head bald, leaving a few strands of hair for the words....Squash in Olympics 2016!". What a brave pledge, we hope you're loving your prize—a Squash Stars Tee!

Generous Reygan: Reygan Indran, in his pledge, has generously offered to sponsor any budding squash talent with a set of Squash equipment and gear. In his words, "If Squash makes it to the Olympics in 2016, I pledge that I will....be more than happy to sponsor one set of squash game kit and gear for any kids who have tremendous interest in this sport to help build up his/her talent." So get training kids! Reygan may be contacted at our FB group.

A cute pledge by Jecynda: Jecynda Ong in her endearing doodle, pledges to work her tush off to make it to the Squash Olympic Squad in 2016. "If Squash make it to the Olympic in 2016, I pledge to be one of the player." This pledge was followed by a little chuckling... "hiak hiak hiak". Nice work, Jecynda and congratulations! (Hey, maybe Reygan should sponsor her?:)

Natalie, all smiles for Squash!

On World Squash Day, Natalie Grainger organized and played in a huge event at the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York, USA. Squash matches were battled out in a so-called 100-a-side Battle of the Border. Not only Natalie was present, but other squash greats like Jonathon Power, John White, David Palmer, Chris Walker and US no. 1 Julian Illingworth turned up for this special day.

Olympic ambassador Natalie commented afterwards: “It was fantastic to see so many leading players supporting the event and more than 500 people came through the club’s doors on the day. The event raised money for the bid, showcased squash in the most positive way and helped to raise the profile of the sport.”

Samantha Teran took part in the World Squash Day activities in Mexico. The most important clubs in Mexico opened their doors and celebrated this special day in order to draw attention to the Olympic bid to get squash included in 2016.

Samantha’s exhibition match against Gerardo De Paul, a local top player, as well as many other activities at leading Mexican clubs, drew a lot of media attention. At the end of the day, dozens of squashies gathered at the statue of the Angel of Independence in the center of Mexico City to have a picture taken. Many enthusiastic people joined in to promote our great sport and to make World Squash Day an extremely festive day in Mexico.

Samantha, looking to the angels

Olympic in 2016
Towards the end of this year, the IOC will decide which city will host the Olympic Games in 2016: Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro or Madrid. Wherever it will be, let’s hope squash is included. World Squash Day certainly has done the world of good towards making this happen!

Hand crafted banner by the kids of Penang Squash Academy

In a drive to include everyone who was present at the event, a large pinup board was installed for everyone to personally pledge their support for the sport. Alongside the young and old, we are pleased to say that the State Executive Councillor for Youth and Sports Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, who officiated the World Squash Day celebrations in Penang, also pledged her support for the Squash for 2016 movement by signing on the board.

Face painting by Cheryl David (Nicol's sister)

Activities were organised for squash enthusiasts of all ages. From colouring contests and a treasure hunt for the kids to mini squash tournaments and raffle draws for the teenagers and adults. For those who wished to showcase their squash skills, they were challenged to participate in “Aim the Target” and “Pot a Shot”, games that tested speed and accuracy of the participants on the squash court. There were also free balloons and face painting provided by SRAP to lend a carnival feel to the event.

Guests were also able to challenge the professionals to a quick game of squash.

Non: Deal or no deal?

Low Wee Wern, British Junior Open Champion 2009, were among the pros present alongside, Kosuke Moukawa and Misaki Kobayashi—Japanese players who are currently training in Penang. The crowd was further entertained with an interesting doubles match between squash coaches of the Penang Squash Academy, Aaron Soyza and Khoo Teng Hin against the event emcee, Non (Aanont Wathanasin, also the TV host of Deal or No Deal, Malaysia) and his squash partner, Thomas. This game was captivating as Aaron & Teng Hin played with only one racquet! On an interesting note, Non once represented Johor in squash. Therefore it was quite a spectacular game with Non and Thomas, giving Aaron and Teng Hin a good run for their money—winning the game 11-7. As a token of appreciation, the visitors were later presented with a limited edition Datuk Nicol David encased, autographed squash ball.

No, the pretty girl is not for auction.

The highlight of the day was the auction of Nicol David Memorabilia. Among the items up for bid were Nicol’s winning racquets from the British Open 2005 and Malaysian Open 2007 alongside various outfits from winning tournaments. Nicol herself was also put on auction which was won by the SRAP Chairman, Datuk Lim Tiong Chin and his friend Thomas who will be sharing a 45-minute squash session and lunch date with Datuk Nicol for RM2,400. Datuk Lim, who would not have any problem arranging a meeting with Datuk Nicol commented that he participated in goodwill to help boost the funds collected for the ‘Squash for 2016’ campaign fund. The auction was conducted by the emcee for the day, local radio deejay and squash enthusiast, Non, who incidentally won the bid for one of the items—Nicol’s Malaysian Open Top.

RM10706 in just a day!

Finally at 6pm, it was announced that Penang alone has successfully collected a whooping RM10,706—thanks to the generosity of all squash fans and Penangites present at the event. The total funds collected for the event will be forwarded to the Squash for 2016 fund to further our Olympic dream!

We would like to thank everyone who was present at the event—it wouldn’t have been an overwhelming success without you.

Note: Photos are with thanks to Azuan from NDOnline! Thanks, Azuan for the great photos.