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UQOD - Olympic "You Can Lead a Horse to Water" Efforts |
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Uncomfortable Question of the Day
By Shawn Patton
Opinion / Editorial
To continue with the equine analogies: I hate to flog a dead horse (WSF & squash administrators), but so many aspects of our sport's efforts to gain full status as an Olympic sport exemplify stale leadership, general incompetence, incestuous and insular business practices and an abject abdication of responsibility of improving our Olympic chances by many squash administrators and key stakeholders.
On the outside looking in (the only view seemingly available in most things squash at the upper levels), there seems to be a collective shrugging of shoulders, absolution of any responsibility and deference to the WSF on all things related to the Olympics.
To present a coherent, cohesive, uncluttered message to a body such as the IOC I would normally agree. But if you are a passenger in a car, most desperate to reach your destination safely/successfully (gaining inclusion to Olympic family) and the driver falls asleep at the wheel and the car is drifting off the road ... about to go over a cliff, shouldn't you GRAB THE WHEEL ? !
The following timeline and e-mail dialogue outlines for me recent signposts that the squash Olympic Efforts driver was asleep and car was noticeably heading towards the cliff. Did someone grab the wheel when they had the chance? Is it too late? Does anyone have the courage and ability to speak up and demonstrate true leadership, take the wheel and get the car back on the road?
Like other squash360 efforts to improve the representation and functioning of the PSA Board and professional squash media protocols is this another case of leading a horse to water, with no hope of making it drink?
On August 14th
I sent an e-mail to Frank Van Loon (cc'ing senior administrators at PSA, WISPA, England Squash, US Squash, Squash Canada) posing a number of questions including:
"Is there an updated Squash Olympics promo video?"
On August 19th:
Mr. Van Loon's response (honest? read e-mails below ... you be the judge) to this question was:
"no not yet ready for publication"
On August 19th
In reply, I sought clarification:
"What company was hired to create the video? Was there [a] request for proposals, open set of criteria to earn the project? When do you expect the video to be available?" [no answer was ever forthcoming]
In the same e-mail, I implored:
"I request and believe it is crucial for squash to have a wide ranging (UPTODATE) sample of quotes, comments from ALL levels of our sport concerning our:
- hopes to gain full admission to the Olympic Games
- the opportunities it would create and what it would mean to us as:
- a sport
- athlete
May I get some fresh quotes of this nature from:
Jahangir Khan
Susie Simcock
you Frank
Chris Staahl
N. Ramachandran
Other National Squash Association executives"
Despite several further inquiries made to Howard Harding, WSF Press Officer, other than generic press releases, no quotes were provided. Through other efforts and much persistence we assembled these COMMENTS.
This blunt e-mail dialogue was another deliberately direct effort (though less public by Shawn Patton, Squash360 standards) to foster accountability, scrutiny and most importantly engender ACTION.
Given Mr. Van Loon's response above, it seemed as though a long overdue updated Squash Promo video was already in progress. The existing WSF 2012 Olympics Promo Video below:
Imagine my surprise and shock upon being forwarded an e-mail originally sent from Susie Simcock (Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation at that time) which seemed to indicate such a fundamental marketing tool as an updated, targeted promotional video wasn't even started?! Especially troubling given the Lausanne IOC presentations mere weeks away.
On September 10th
Ms. Simcock sent an e-mail titled "WSF Olympic Lobby - Update" which outlined:
" We have some significant challenges on our hands …made more difficult by current limited financial and administrative resources …
In Manchester we will be updating and discussing plans regarding proposed future activities relating to our WSF 2016 Olympic bid ….however right now there are a number of urgent matters needing to be progressed immediately.
Most important..
1. The production of a high level DVD capturing clips of our best TV coverage for our presentation to the Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) in Lausanne on November 14th. This will be an important part of a 30 minute presentation + 20 minute Q&A session…to discount the perception that:
Squash is not a TV sport.
Rami..I am delighted to know that in discussions with Tunku Imran you have offered to produce such a DVD."
The full text of this e-mail is provided towards the bottom of this article.
A great many questions come to mind including:
Why has the creation of an updated Squash Olympics Promo video and other marketing efforts seemingly been left until the last minute?
How cost-effective and productive was the Olympic Strategic Planning Session held in Kuala Lumpur? Grand name, thoughtful meeting agenda ... but what was accomplished, put into tangible, measureable action?
What qualifications and experience does Major Maniam from India have in video graphics and editing?
When it was apparent that the WSF was being dishonest and woefully incompetent, why didn't leaders at PSA, WISPA and key squash national associations step up and "take the wheel?"
When so many players and squash administrators were assembled in Manchester for the World Open and WSF Annual General Meetings were efforts undertaken to capture extensive supportive comments and visual imagery for a full range of Olympic marketing efforts? When compared side by side with the promo videos from the other sports vying for inclusion (provided below) how is the quality, how effectively does squash's video communicate our sport's key attributes and address concerns and key criteria of IOC (youth, positive impact Olympics would have on our sport, etc)? Did we put our very best foot forward? Have we told an Euro-centric squash story or one that draws on the truly global nature of squash at ALL levels of our game? Have we involved and profiled in the video: juniors, urban squash programs, squash associations executives, past, current, upcoming pro players? Why not have a video in multiple languages, truly hi-lighting international character of our players and reach of our sport?
----- Original Message -----
From: susie simcock
To: Tunku Imran ; Jahangir Khan ; Frank Van Loon ; Heather Deayton ; Gerard DeCourcy ; George Mieras ; Mr N Ramachandran ; Chris Stahl ; Andrew Shelley ;
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 3:14 PM
Subject: FW: WSF Olympic Lobby - Update
Greetings All
The current situation is this …
We have some significant challenges on our hands …made more difficult by current limited financial and administrative resources …
In Manchesterwe will be updating and discussing plans regarding proposed future activities relating to our WSF 2016 Olympic bid ….however right now there are a number of urgent matters needing to be progressed immediately.
Most important..
1. The production of a high level DVD capturing clips of our best TV coverage for our presentation to the Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) in Lausanneon November 14th. This will be an important part of a 30 minute presentation + 20 minute Q&A session…to discount the perception that
Squash is not a TV sport.
Rami..I am delighted to know that in discussions with Tunku Imran you have offered to produce such a DVD.
.. WISPA & PSA have agreed to make footage available and should include clips of the excellent production techniques from the 2008 World Women’s in Madrid.(Producer-Jose Romain Diez…… our contact to assist is Ramona Von Ondarza
Re: OPC Presentation….Tunku Imran and Jahangir are available for the presentation on November 14th.
A meeting has been scheduled with Jacques Rogge on the November 13th ...(please note Chris & Rami) JK to introduce the new WSF President and be part of the presentation team…
I suggest Sarah Fitz-Gerald – an articulate ex world champion be invited to be the other member of WSF team …to add value and diversity to WSF team.
2. Re:Manchester… Invitations to IOC members other than Craig Reedie ….being actioned.
Currently seeking official confirmation that IOC Sports department will be sending a representative to as part of IOC observation programme (Craig Reedie OPC member) ….
Raising awareness of players, officials ,organisers of the importance of showcasing of this event appropriately in light of above.
3.“SPORT FOR ALL”- November 3-6 – Malaysia
Identified as a key lobbying opportunity….All other 2016 SIFs (Shortlisted Sports) will be attending.
1.Registration…I am able to attend and recommend new WSF President (NB Chris & Rami),also attend.
2.Strongly recommended we produce attractive promotional brochures to distribute at this Conference…
Featuring something like “.Squash- the fun and fitness sport for all” …push simple messages…..note youth
and health impt to J Rogge .
A Sport for ANYWHERE…. …
ANYTIME…
ANYONE
”SQUASH THE GENUINE SPORT FOR ALL “…Any Nation ….Any Race …Any Height…Played by both Genders… Easy to learn …and by hard work & dedication ..anyone can be a Champion !
CAN ANYONE HELP WITH THIS PLEASE ?
3.Exploring possibility of organising Squash exhibition at Sport For All venue…maybe top juniors ?….Tunku could you please advise who might look into arranging this ?
4.Exploring late possibility of being involved in a presentation…promote unique ,innovative youth programmes in squash..egNew York street kids…Asian Squash …Malaysia (?Penang), HongKong –micro court/junior programme …India .. Maj Maniam to present ?
Would very much appreciate your comments and assistance on any of the matters raised.
Meantime very much look forward to seeing you all in Manchester
Kindest regards
Susie
*****************************************
From: S.Maniam [mailto:
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]
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2008 11:57 AM
To: '
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'; 'Jahangir Khan'; '
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'; 'Heather Deayton'; 'Gerard Decourcy'; 'george mieras'; '
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'; '
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'; '
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Cc: 'squashsecret##@gmail.com'
Subject: RE: WSF Olympic Lobby - Update
Dear Friends,
I have been tasked by Ramy to prepare the DVD. As Susie correctly said, the DVD has to be of a high level, capturing clips of our best TV coverage to discount the perception that Squash is not a TV sport.
May I kindly request WISPA and PSA to send me clips of available material. (Clips from the Pyramids, Hurgadha and Central station will be good)
Ramona Von Ondarza; may I request for clips of the 2008 World Women’s in Madrid which was produced by Jose Romain Diez.
Heather if you have clips from events held in Hong Kong esp at the harbour and clips of your successful mmicro court junior programme will be useful.
Gerard I understand New Zealand has a micro court junior programme.
Peter Chee, clips on Nicol David will also be required.
WSF- if you can source for some clips on junior development programmes, it will be appreciated
Howard can you send me some footage and any relevant written material that you have.
Would anyone have a copy of previous DVD presentations made to the IOC
Any other relevant clips which anyone of you can source which you think might be of use, please send them to me. I am hoping to have the first “draft” by the end of this month.
Some material I gathered from various reports which I am planning to use in the DVD are as follows:
SQUASH - THE OLYMPIC BID
- We are a truly worldwide sport, and compete in every other Major Games, including the World Games, World Masters Games, Commonwealth, Pan American, Asian and All African Games, .
- Squash is different to all other sports in the Games, and rates as one of the most gruelling and skilled sports.
- The Olympics Squash Event would be our GREATEST event by far and the ultimate goal for our players would be to win a gold medal. (Unlike certain sports, we do not have any other championship bigger than the Olympics)This is important to stress as this differentiates us from some other sports where there are other great, highly coveted 'major’ championships such as golf (Masters), tennis (Wimbledon), soccer (World Cup)
- We have become a really good spectator and TV sport because of the all-glass court. The glass court can be erected in any spectacular location and does not require an expensive stadium to be built, cutting costs for the host city / nation.
- We’ve erected the all glass squash court which is extremely TV friendly; both indoors and outdoors.
Some of the exotic locations are the
Great Pyramids
The Red Sea
Grand Central Station
Harbour View
Falukhnama Palace
Various Shopping malls
- The top players in the world are a diverse group of people that come from many nations that are not the “super powers” in the Olympics - creating opportunities for different nations to have a lead on winning medals.
"Squash is a truly global sport - indeed the top six teams in last year's World Men's Championships covered the five continents - and Olympic success would be the ultimate goal for all our athletes,"
Squash will add value and should be included to the Olympic programme in 2016!"
Junior dev and social squash actively promoted in 5 continents.
Uniform scoring system, with wispa and psa fully cooperating with the WSF to achieve our Olympic dream
Singles and doubles.
As a team I am convinced that we can come up with a superb DVD.
Your urgent attention and response will be sincerely appreciated
Warm regards,
Maniam
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