WSF AGM in Cairo
By HOWARD HARDING – Squash Mad International Correspondent
American Peter Lasusa has been elected as World Squash Federation (WSF) Vice President at the WSF AGM held in the Egyptian capital Cairo.
Lasusa, a former Chairman of US Squash is the President of Management Leadership Resources Inc.
Upon his election, Lasusa (right) commented: “I would like to congratulate my predecessor Gar Holohan who did so much work for the last two years, and now I look forward to applying my broad experience in many aspects of our sport to help WSF achieve its vision. I am genuinely excited!”
Holohan had completed a two-year term, in which he involved himself fully across all facets of WSF business, with a special interest in governance and branding. Following the vote, WSF President Jacques Fontaine paid tribute to the Irishman for his commitment to the role.
Vice President Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the five-time World Champion from Australia, was returned unopposed for a second term for the other Vice President position that was being contested by rotation. (The President and other two Vice President terms end in 2020).
The Federation AGM, with 45 nations represented and superbly hosted by the Egyptian Squash Federation, was presided over by President Fontaine, and also dealt with formal business.
This included amendments to the Articles of Association (reinforcing safeguarding policy); adopting updated World Squash Anti-Doping Rules; reducing the general warm-up period before the start of matches from five minutes to four minutes; Forward Plan and accounts.
The conclusion of the meeting saw Fontaine make a presentation to Chris Herridge, the retiring Chairman of the WSF Courts and Equipment Commission after 30 years as the world authority on everything related to court construction and products. The President also acknowledged the Egyptian Federation, presenting President Assem Khalifa with a plaque recognising their hosting.
Closing the meeting, Fontaine said: “Squash is united to move forward to see the sport flourish, and achieve an Olympic Games place in Paris in 2024. I devote myself to both these objectives.”
The preceding day had seen the important wide-ranging WSF Conference where delegates heard about and discussed such topics as the squash bid for a place on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Programme, and an updated strategic outline – both in partnership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA).
Other topics included the review into the delegate voting formula at AGMs; updates on general areas of activity such as World Squash Officiating, Coach Education and Championships, amongst others.
Naturally, with the AGM being held in Egypt, the opportunity was also taken to include a presentation to give delegates an insight into the Egyptian pathway to great international squash success.
Pictures by WSF