Squash Magazine: WISPA Promo Tour 2005

WISPA Promo Tour 2005 Squash in Jordan and Turkey By Kirsten Carlson

WISPA stars Rachael Grinham and Vanessa Atkinson recently traveled to Turkey and Jordan for the latest installment of the WISPA Promotional Tour, an initiative designed to promote women's squash around the world. The World No. 1 and 2, along with WISPA's executive director, Andrew Shelley, were featured in exhibitions, clinics, press conferences and meetings with sports bodies in Istanbul and the Jordan capital Amman. The tour was organized in close cooperation with both countries' national squash federations, with the hopes that the visits would bring national attention to the sport, which is relatively new in both countries. CAMEL BACK Rachael Grinham made new friends while on the WISPA Promo Tour, including this camel in Jordan. “We felt that maybe people thought there was no squash here. We wanted something shiny so that people would hear about us,” explained Jordan Squash Federation president Anas-Al Tal. “As a salesman you have to enter the market in a strong way and create a ringing in their ear.” That ringing motivated media outlets in both countries to converge upon the squash courts—in Istanbul at the Hillside City Club-Trio, and in Amman at the Hassan Squash Centre. In Jordan, articles about the tour appeared in Al Rayi, Al Dustour and Al Gade, the top three national newspapers. Similarly, in Turkey, a feature story appeared in Hurriyet, the largest national newspaper. On the last evening of the women's visit in Istanbul, two TV crews and additional newspaper reporters were present to cover the events. The media watched as Atkinson and Grinham not only played against each other, but also played games and a few matches against local players, ranging from meetings with the top ranked male and female players in each country, to fun games against some of the kids. Ferda Eren from Istanbul had the chance to play with both women. “It was a once in a lifetime chance to watch the top players and even play with them,” she said. “I really hope it becomes a tradition here.” In Jordan, men's national No. 2 Badr Hejazi took on Atkinson, in what proved to be a one-sided match with Atkinson the victor. “She has a very good volley, but I am coming back and will do better next time,” he vowed. After playing numerous people in Turkey, Grinham proclaimed to the crowd, “Although my legs are telling me I have played too many of you, it has been a great few days in your brilliant city. I hope we come back again soon.” This was the second WISPA tour for both Grinham and Atkinson. Grinham went to China and Nepal last year, and Atkinson to Russia in 2003. WISPA tours, now in their seventh year, typically focus on countries where squash is growing, but is not yet a mainstream sport. Past tours have included trips to Brunei, in Southeast Asia, and the 2004 visit to China. Both countries later hosted WISPA events, thanks in part to the impact of the tours. “While the main aim of the WISPA Promotional Tour is to provide an opportunity for a young squash country to raise their profile and general interest via a visit from top players, the spin-off is that we develop new relationships,” explained Shelley. “Sometimes these result in WISPA Tour events being held there. Brunei, and last year China, are examples. This is a bonus, but as a member of the family of squash, our main aim is to help the youngsters grow.” For more, subscribe to Squash Magazine here...

WISPA Promo Tour 2005

Squash in Jordan and Turkey