World Squash Day teams up with the PSA Foundation to support its squash community initiatives
By JAMES ROBERTS – Squash Mad Reporter
Want the chance to own some unique and highly collectable pieces of squash history, whilst raising funds for a great squash charitable cause? If so, then read on …
Following a highly successful World Squash Day on 12th October, final preparations are in hand to launch the next World Squash Day Auction over the weekend, on Sunday 24th November.
These auctions of signed squash collectables have been held for the past 3 years and raised thousands of pounds for specific good causes, starting with Unicef in 2016 when it was the World Squash Day official charitable partner.
Last year, the Auction was held in conjunction with the inaugural John Batty Squash Tournament, held to raise funds for the legendary squash coach’s chosen good cause, the Chemotherapy Unit at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Sadly John lost his battle with cancer early this year but he was proud to be able to hand over a cheque for nearly £4,000 to the unit towards the end of 2018, which included all the funds raised via the tournament, the auction and his own fundraising activities.
This year, the World Squash Day Auction has partnered with the PSA Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of the Professional Squash Association. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire the next generation of squash players and foster the growth of our sport by making a positive impact on the communities that it reaches and by supporting the wellbeing of the professional players that spearhead this effort.
This year, the auction yet again will offer some amazing lots, thanks to the enthusiastic contributions from the professional players. Star lot this time is likely to be a World Squash Day shirt which has been signed by many of the players who competed at the season-opening PSA tournaments, the Open de France in Nantes and the Netsuite Open in San Francisco. Other lots include an Allam British Open 2019 tournament poster, signed by a huge array of players who participated.
Other lots bound to attract a lot of interest are the match ball used in the British Nationals Final between James Willstrop and Daryl Selby, signed by both players. Talking of the latter, Daryl has also donated one of his signature 305 Squash playing shirts, used and signed by the man himself. There is also a Birmingham Lions Premier Squash League team shirt signed by the team and their opponents for the first match of the season, Pontefract.
The Auction will commence at 19:00 GMT on Sunday 24th November and will run for 7 days, therefore ending on Sunday 1st December at 19:00 GMT. Details of all the lots will be posted to the World Squash Day Facebook page and Twitter account, with bids being received via Facebook comment, reply tweets, private message or email.
Full bidding instructions will be posted to both the Facebook page and Twitter account. The Facebook page is available here: https://www.facebook.com/WSDAuction/. The Twitter account username is @WSDAuction or can be accessed via this link: https://twitter.com/WSDAuction
Please like and follow the above to see the auction’s progress and place your bids. This is a great opportunity to potentially own some amazing squash collectables, either for you or your club, all whilst raising funds for a great squash cause. These unique items could also make great gifts for a squash fanatic friend or member of your family. Happy bidding!
To find out more about the work of the PSA Foundation, visit their website.
Pictures by: James Roberts