A historic week in Bolivia concluded yesterday as the first Pan American Squash57 Championships drew to a close in Cochabamba.
Almost 50 athletes took part across 21 events, which included open championships, age group championships, and doubles championships.
Eight National Federations were represented during the event: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The championships began with a two-day WSO Squash57 Officiating Course to a class of 18 individuals, led by FPS Secretary General Lolly Gillen. The Championships also included the Nations Cup for most medals in the Open events, won by Bolivia, and the Friendship Cup for most medals won in Age Category events, won again by Bolivia.
“Thank you to the FPS and WSF! Congratulations to the Bolivian Squash Federation for an excellent championship. Bolivia is a country that excels in racket sports, and squash57 has showcased strong leadership and talented athletes. This has been reflected in the great challenge led by Alba Gamarra [President of Federación Boliviana de Squash]. Congratulations for all the passion, dedication, and presentation of squash57 in Bolivia, in South America, and now throughout Pan American Squash,” said Dr. Marco Arze Mendoza, President of the Bolivian Olympic Committee.
Alba Gamarra added: “Squash57 marks a new era of inclusion for our sport and I am truly thrilled to have experienced the joy and excitement from all the athletes who wholeheartedly embraced squash57 and who made this championship such a resounding success. I am totally confident that squash57 will open doors for more players to engage in squash, squash57 and wheelchair squash57 and proudly confirm that ‘squash57 is easy to start and hard to stop.’”
One of the competitors, Vinícius Sávio from Brazil, said afterwards: “The Panamerican Squash57 Cochabamba 2024 was amazing. It was a great opportunity to improve in a sport that is just beginning in Brazil.
“The venue had 5 courts, the organisation was perfect and the athletes were all very kind. Many people in Brazil called me to know more about squash57 and the future events. I hope to be part of this event next year, and will be there with many Brazilians in our team.”
Squash57 (also known as racketball in the UK) is a racket sport which uses a larger head racket and a larger (57mm), bouncier ball than in squash. This leads to fun aerobic lifetime sport that is suitable for all ages and abilities which is easy to start, hard to stop.
Click here to find out more about the 2024 Pan American Squash57 Championships.
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