Squash at the Olympics - Squash2020

Squash is not at an Olympic Sport... yet! But if World Squash has anything to do with it, it will be!

The 2020 Olympic Games will be limited to a maximum of 28 sports, therefore only one of the eight shortlisted sports can be added to the Games and luckily, squash is one of these.

World Squash are busy campaigning and have contracted international agecy Vero to manage their bid (Vero were successful in getting the Games for Rio and in getting golf included in the 2016 Games, so have a proven Olympic bid record).

Squash is competing with baseball/softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboard, wushu and wrestling for a place in the 2020 Olympics. While the final decision will be made in September 2013, the next important date in May 29, when each sport has the chance to make a 30 minute presentation to the IOC executive committee.  Later that day, the IOC will announce a shortlist of sports that will remain 'in the hunt' until the September decision.

Visit the website at www.squash2020.com to see how you can BACK THE BID!

Also, check out this great blog which highlights why squash should be in the Olympics.

What Can You Do?

Show your Support through Social Media. World Squash have set up a media campaign to show the IOC that everyone loves squash and wants squash to be in the Olympics. To show your support and increase awareness you can do either of the following:

• Use the hash tag #vote4squash in Twitter, as much as possible
• Follow @vote4squash on Twitter
• Become a fan of www.facebook.com/Squash2020
• Print this branded page, write your message, take a photo and email to Squash NZ on admin@squashnz.co.nz
• Visit www.squash2020.com for more information.

How Will Getting into the Olympics Help Squash?

The media exposure of the Olympics is unprecedented with any other event so squash will benefit in being exposed to millions of viewers worldwide. The local media coverage during the Olympics will also have a huge impact on promoting the sport within New Zealand.

Importantly, Squash in NZ will benefit financially in more than one way. Every participating sport receives income from TV rights and some of this will filter through to Squash NZ. Being an Olympic sport also increases opportunites for funding within NZ, such as that available from High Performance Sport NZ.

Previous Bids

World Squash bid for inclusion into the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games but were unsuccessful in both. However, both attempts have provided great experience with lots of feedback and World Squash have taken on board much of that feedback and made vast improvements in the game.

For more information about previous Olympic bids for squash inclusion, see the World Squash website www.worldsquash.org