|
Squash in New Zealand – The History
The earliest recorded reference to Squash in New Zealand was on the 23rd of November 1919 (Herbert N Watson - Palmerston North). However it wasn’t until 18 May 1939 that the New Zealand Squash Rackets Association was incorporated to develop the game that we love today.
 |
Squash has progressed in New Zealand from a small amateur body with very few club courts to now one of our country’s leading sports, a founding member of the World Squash Federation and a leader on the world squash ‘stage’.
Throughout history there have been numerous people who have had a profound impact on the sport but few have captured the imagination of New Zealanders as the deeds of Dame Susan Devoy. Susan unquestionably stamped her name on New Zealand and World history as one of the greatest personalities to emerge from our sport's proud history - she has become, arguably, one of New Zealand's greatest sportsmen of the century.
|
The legendary Ross Norman carved his name in history as the men’s equivalent. His feats, determination and grit, are also permanently etched into New Zealand’s sporting history.
 |
We have been very fortunate since that time to have had two other world champions in Leilani Joyce and Carol Owens. The latest young hero making her impression on the world at the Commonwealth Games was Shelley Kitchen (the girl from Kaitaia) – bringing home Silver and Bronze medals for New Zealand in 2006.
|
So what is it about Squash that makes it a sport that is undeniably fun? Simply, the sport appeals to the competitive ‘kiwi nature’, it’s easy to play and fits naturally into our healthy and busy lifestyles. This appeal and growth has seen the development of 232 affiliated clubs (plus many commercial centres offering squash) that now cater for 131,000 people a year as they succumb to the urge to ‘have a go’.
 |
Squash clubs have always had a strong family orientation and that remains a key foundation of the sport. Attracting and involving young players generates the legacy that will ensure our sport remains strong in future. Subsequently, youth and school squash activities have became an integral part of the Club, District and National focus.
|
These attributes, along with the spread of facilities around the country, ensure that the sport is literally around every corner, in every community and accessible to people from Kaitaia to Stewart Island.
|
