"SQUASH FOR 2016, SQUASH FOR OLYMPICS" SAYS MALAYSIA

The above cries, rang out at all 14 States of Malaysia, in more than 53 squash venues at squash centres, clubs, colleges, universities and schools. Even the Armed Forces Squash Centres and the Police Squash Clubs, joined in this worthy effort. Never in the history of squash in Malaysia, had we witness the entire squash fraternity nationwide coming together to support a worthy cause. All through the length and breadth of the country, 23 May 2009, was a day of squash festivities, fun and joy.




Preparations for ‘Squash 2016 Day’ started way back in February 2009. All State branches and affiliates were asked to make early preparations and the response from all was overwhelming.

A Press Conference was held on 13 May 2009, to announce “Squash For 2016” and to inform all Malaysians of the events which would be held nationwide. This announcement was carried in most of the print and electronic media in the country. Truly, Malaysians were well informed of “Squash For 2016”, on 23 May 2009.

The following were prepared in advance for distribution to all the 53 Centres -

a. 3000 T-shirts and each carried the following - the official logo(front),the WSF and SRAM emblems( on the sleeves), the words “Squash For Olympics” (front) and “Squash 2016 Day” on the back.
b. 1500 made to order collar pins with the official logo.
c. 150 Banners and Buntings with the words “Squash For 2016” and “Squash For Olympics” boldly printed. Each also carried portraits of Malaysia’s three top professionals – Dato’ Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee and Mohd. Azlan Iskandar.

All three items were couriered to all the 53 centres a few days before the event.

The national level programme started at daybreak on 23 May, 2009, at the Royal Lake Club. The Royal Lake Club was chosen at it was at this club that squash first took root in Malaysia and where SRAM was formed. Over 80 squash enthusiast, comprising adults and children gathered at the Club, wearing the official T-shirt for the day. The dignitaries assembled that morning included, WSF Patron, HRH Prince Tunku Imran; Dato’ A. Sani Karim, the President of Asian Squash Federation and SRAM; Dato’ Mohd Shukri Hussin, CEO of CIMB Foundation, SRAM’s Sports Partner; two Vice-Presidents and the Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

After a quick breakfast everyone got into the 15 cars and a bus, a symbolic total of 16 ( Squash For 2016 ). This motorcade of 16 vechicles was flagged off from the Club by HRH Prince Tunku Imran. The motorcade made its way to seven iconic buildings in Kuala Lumpur, namely the Parliament House, Nationa Museum, Sultan Samad Building, City Hall, Royal Selangor Club, KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers. The smooth flow of the motorcade was facilitated with the help of four (4) police outriders. On either sides of all 16 vehicles were stickers with bold prints, “Squash For 2016” and “Squash For Olympics”. National and State flags fluttered from the vehicles in the convoy. At a reasonable distances from the iconic buildings the motorcade stopped to take group photographs. The final stop was at the National Squash Centre at Bukit Jalil, where more than 200 squash fans, also in the official T-shirts were waiting to welcome the motorcade.

The programme of activities for the day then continued at the National Squash Centre. It started with short speeches by the President of Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, Dato’ A.Sani Karim and this was followed with a speech by HRH Prince Tunku Imran. HRH explained in some detail the Olympic Bid process and was optimistic of squash making the Olympics.

Former Olympians from other sports were invited to share their experiences at the Olympics. To Ex-Olympians, Stephen van Huzien and Mahinderjeet Singh from field hockey, participating at the Olympics was the pinnacle of their playing career. Both supported and felt that squash was worthy of being in the Olympics. They hoped that Malaysian squash players would be at the 2016 Olympics, to share an experience of a life time.

Urged on by the beautiful and glamorous TV celebrity, Belinda Chee, the 300 odd squash fans at the National Squash Centre were in no time fully wrapped up into the various activites. All 10 courts had different squash related activities. Rocking, loud and hot music added to the excitement, fun and joy. The venue was enveloped with a fiesta atmosphere.

The court activities included – Battle of the Sexes, Fun Games for children (2 courts), Play the Pro, Muhibbah Doubles, One Malaysia Team Event, Juniors Vs Seniors, Challenge your Skills(adults), Challenge your Skills (children) and Basic Coaching Clinic. There were so many prizes to be won that everyone walked away with at least two prizes.

All through the activity session, participants were asked to make contributions towards the Bid process.

Scheduled to end at 12.30 pm, the fun and games carried on for a further hour. The day ended with everyone joining in to shout 3 times, “Squash For 2016, Squash For Olympics”. The tired but still exicited participants, with prizes sticking out of all their pockets, were then treated to a sumptuous lunch.

At 12.00 noon a very important and significant event for Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) commenced. This was the Signing Ceremony between SRAM and CIMB Investment Bank.

The ceremony formalised the sponsorship of 4 Million Ringgit Malaysia to SRAM by CIMB. This would extend by a further 2 years, CIMB’s present second two year term sports partnership with SRAM, which comes to an end on 30 June 2009. It is apt that the continuation of the CIMB sponsorship would help mount a strong challenge by Malaysian squashers in 2016.

At all 53 venues around the country, squash fans experienced a similar day of festivity. This day would definitely go down the annals of Malaysian squash, as the day when Malaysians came together very strongly to lend support for a very worthy squash cause.