Squash and Racketball Victoria are holding a special Celebrity Squash Challenge to celebrate World Squash Day – the biggest global grassroots celebration of the sport – at Melbourne Squash and Aquatic Centre in Albert Park.
Karl Mayne, General Manager of Squash Victoria, said: “After a difficult few years for the sport [in Australia, once the game’s dominant country], we hope the day will bring joy to our community and help raise the profile of the game, one that was much loved by Australians during the 70s-90s, and we are committed to returning its position as one of the premier sports in Australian culture.”
The event will run from 11am to 3pm on October 15 and will feature:
Comedian and TV personality Dave Hughes
Celebrity Masterchef George Calombaris
Australian Cricketer and Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey
Olympic badminton player Gronya Sommerville
Former AFL player and mental health advocate Mark Eustice
3AW Weekend Breakfast presenter Darren James
House of Representative member Peta Murphy MP
Hughes, from Warrnambool, Victoria, said: “I’m very excited about World Squash Day. I’m going to give the likes of George Calombaris a lesson in high-level sport!”
Also in attendance will be some of the biggest names in squash, including:
Five-time World Open winner Sarah Fitz-Gerald
Former World Champion Cassie Thomas
World No.27 and England No.3 Adrian Waller
Australia No.1 and World No.89 Rex Hedrick
Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue is lined up to take the court against former Australian Test cricketer David Hussey, now coach to Melbourne Stars, and said: “I am looking forward to celebrating World Squash Day in Melbourne at the Celebrity Challenge.
“It will be a great opportunity to share the court with celebrities who share our passion for squash and help continue to raise the profile of the sport.”
World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher added: “It looks like being a truly fantastic day, and one which will help to raise the profile of squash Down Under.
“A huge well done to Karl and his team at Squash Victoria for making it happen.”
“Exciting events are taking place all over the globe to encourage a new generation of players and to raise the profile of the sport.”
World Squash Day, a global celebration of the sport held on October 15, is endorsed by the World Squash Federation and the PSA Foundation. It is the world’s biggest promotional platform for grassroots squash and is celebrating its 21st year of operation.
Further information from Alan Thatcher at [email protected]
World Squash Day website: www.worldsquashday.net