33 local schools adopt a nation
Jun 22, 2006
An unprecedented 33 local schools have adopted a country for the duration of The World Junior Men’s Squash Championships, beginning in Palmerston North on July 17.
Participating schools are from throughout the region and including schools in New Plymouth and Levin. Their involvement in the tournament will include meeting their adopted country at the airport on arrival, participation at official ceremonies; including nominating one student to be flag bearer on opening night, and supporting their team during competition.
Central Squash Association, development officer Donna Wilson, has been busy encouraging primary schools to host a country at the Championships. “The chance for schools to become involved in an international event is a fantastic learning opportunity for the students involved and assists in promoting a healthy active lifestyle for all those involved.”
“A superb educational resource has also been developed and contains a variety of event based activities including lesson plans for classroom teaching, a teacher’s resource kit and a guide to where the resource fits the Teaching Curriculum. The success of this teaching resource has captured the interest of students in squash and directly resulted in schools wanting to play a larger role in the championships by adopting a country.”
Some important facts about the championships
19 nations with teams of 4 will compete for individual and team world titles. Competition is expected to be tough as the powerhouses of world squash, Europe and Asia pit their best young talent against each other in the highly competitive junior division.
SquashGym Palmerston North is hosting the tournament, one of New Zealand’s Premier squash facilities Palmerston North, New Zealand, was also host to the 1971 World Men's Championships. The club has 8 glass-back courts including 1 full championship court.
Over 1700 seats will be available for the teams and individual finals being held on an All-Glass championship court at the internationally recognised event centre - Arena Manawatu.
Tickets are available via the tournament website: www.2006worldjuniors.co.nz or from Ticket Direct www.ticketdirect.co.nz