WSF Conference & AGM Takes Squash To Next Level

'Taking Squash To The Next Level' was the theme of the 35th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the World Squash Federation which was held last month in Brazil, attracting National Federation delegates from all five continents.

WSF President Jahangir Khan, the record ten-times British Open champion, chaired the two-day Conference and the following day's AGM.

Keynote speaker Kevin Roberts, Editorial Director of SportBusiness magazine, delivered presentations on 'The Opportunity for Squash'; 'Growing Squash's Profile in the Media'; and 'Sponsorship and Squash'. These were followed by panel discussions and workshops as delegates focused on a clear and unified Vision and Strategy to take the sport forward over the 2006-2009 period.

"The timing of the AGM & Conference was in perfect synchrony with the Olympic Programme Review cycle," said WSF Chief Executive Christian Leighton. "Not only has Squash's profile been increased considerably among the Olympic Family and sports media, but we now possess a better understanding of what it will take to achieve inclusion in the Olympic Games."

An application for membership of the WSF from the British Virgin Islands was unanimously accepted.

A WSF award for 'exceptional services to world squash' was presented to Graham Waters, Director of the WSF's Referees and Rules committee. Formerly an ice hockey and tennis referee, the Canadian has been a referee in Squash for 27 years and Director of the WSF committee since 1997. He has conducted numerous refereeing clinics and seminars for the WSF on all five continents.

A bid by the Irish Squash Federation to host the 2006 Women's World Open Championships at the Ulster Hall in Belfast was accepted at the AGM. The bid presentation was made by newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer Angus Kirkland, the former world No19 from England.