Nick Matthew inducted into Hall of Fame as he and Laura Massaro share Commonwealth Games duties
By SCARLETT SMITH – Squash Mad Correspondent
England’s reigning World squash Champions and Commonwealth Games medal hopes Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro welcomed the Queen’s Baton into Sheffield and Manchester this weekend as it arrived in England ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Matthew, who is also defending Commonwealth Games singles and doubles gold medallist, was a baton bearer in his home city of Sheffield on Sunday. It was a double celebration for the Yorkshireman as he was also inducted into the English Institute of Sport Hall of Champions.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Queen’s Baton relay, especially in my home town. It has been a great opportunity for people to see some of the fantastic sporting activity that takes place in Sheffield,” said the World No.2.
Local people were also treated to free coaching master classes from the World Champion as the baton made its way through South Yorkshire.
In Manchester, World No.2 Laura Massaro greeted the Baton at the National Squash Centre, the home to the 2002 Commonwealth Games, as the relay started its first day in England on Saturday.
The National Squash Centre was bustling with activity as juniors, club players and local residents all enjoyed a morning of free squash and racketball before meeting local heroine Massaro.
Massaro said: “It’s an honour to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay, especially as I was so inspired by the 2002 Games here in Manchester as a young professional.
“The National Squash Centre is a lasting legacy of the Games and it has helped so many people. I train here a couple of times a week alongside school programmes, community sessions and academy players,” she added.
Images: Nick Matthew with the Baton at the unveiling of his photo in the EIS Hall of Champions.
Laura Massaro with local Manchester resident and Baton-bearer John Gilmore, 45
Picture by Picture by Lee Mills – Work Rest and Play Pictures (WRAPP) –