In a development that will bring joy to the squash fans across the globe, the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games have included Squash under their event program.
In a press release sent today, the WSF has announced that Squash has been confirmed as a showcase sport at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2018.
The Games Organising Committee of the Youth Olympics has emphasised a desire to feature participation as a key component as part of their ‘festivals of sport’ created in four ‘parks’ across the city. Buenos Aires 2018 want people to “experience a fusion of elite sport competition, music, culture and arts festivals, sport initiation, showcasing and educational programmes”.
WSF and its Argentine National sports federation, Argentinean Squash Federation, were warmly received by the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (BAYOGOC) during the extended period in which discussions took place leading to this superb outcome.
Speaking about the new development, welcoming it, WSF President Jacques Fontaine commented, “Youth are our future, and so a priority for squash. We hugely admire the participation policy of the Buenos Aires 2018 Organizing Committee are grateful to the hosts in recognising that squash will be a vibrant addition, and are delighted to be a part of the promotion.”
Further he added, “We, in collaboration with the Argentinean Squash Federation, look forward to bringing an all-glass showcourt to Technopolis Park. To be added to the Youth Olympic Games for 2018 is a great moment for squash and a step in the right direction towards our ultimate aim of Olympic Games inclusion. The Youth Games displays the very best in rising sporting talent as well as the very best in youth sports. We believe we have one of the most unique sporting products in the world and some of the most compelling athletes in the world; and we look forward to working closely with the host in the build up to Buenos Aires 2018 to ensure we make the most of the opportunity.”
Squash movement had a heartbreak in 2015 when their Olympic application was rejected an inclusion in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The dates for the squash, within the 6-18 October 2018 overall programme and the format of the junior ‘showcase’ event, will be announced later with the overall competition schedule.