Celebrities give squash a boost

Squash, a game where the Philippines could become a global force,  got a boost the other day when several local celebrities agreed to endorse the reemerging sport to age groups, health buffs, yuppies and students.

Movie star Richard Gomez, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo, fashion model Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hayden Kho are among the celebrities who pledged to support squash. They lead a star-studded cast that will play in the first Celebrity Squash Cup on April 12 at the Makati Sports Club.

The Squash Cup is the major kick-off for the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines (SRAP) line-up of events this year.

“Our goal for this undertaking is primarily to bring awareness to this reemerging sport by reaching out to various sectors, age groups, sports and health fanatics as well as previous squash aficionados,” said De Leon-Gonzalez, an SRAP Board member.

De Leon-Gonzalez said the celebrities were chosen for their love of the game and their ability to be a prime influence among peers and curious spectators.

Others invited to participate in the Squash Cup are former PBA cager Dino Aldeguer, Tessa Prieto Valdes, architect Bong Recio, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, Planet Sports president Anton Gonzalez, architect Gil Coscolluela, fashion designer Rhett Eala, Luxasia general manager Mia Nolasco, designer Patrice Ramos Diaz and Leica Carpo.

De Leon-Gonzalez said she expects at least 20 players to play in the event. Former national player Edgar Balleber, a six-time bronze medalist in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, will supervise the tournament where the players are to be split into teams of two or four.

Last Sunday, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Robert Aventajado dropped in on Gomez, Belo, De Leon-Gonzalez and Kho as they played in a levelling session at the Palms Country Club in Alabang.

Aventajado echoed the sentiments of SRAP officials who are convinced Filipinos can excel in the sport.

SRAP Board member Jovie Vilar said the thrust in promoting the sport is to bring it close to students, develop junior players and activate the 45 courts in the country. The SRAP is exploring the possibility of tying up with schools in introducing squash in the physical education curriculum or intramural program by offering free clinics in nearby courts.

Gomez, an all-around athlete who competes in softball, fencing and shooting, said squash is the perfect cross-training sport because it is a cardio exercise, develops different muscles in the body and builds resistance. He warms up for badminton by playing squash.

Kho said he took up the sport only six months ago and is now a frequent player with Belo.

De Leon-Gonzalez said squash is her secret in staying fit. She plays two hours a session at least thrice a week and swears by the workouts on the court. “There’s no substitute for the workout you get in squash,” said De Leon-Gonzalez. “No other sport can give you a good sweat in less time and you’re enjoying the game at the same time.”

Belo said it’s her favorite sport and she recommends it for anyone who wants to stay in shape or enjoy a competitive game.

Balleber said squash doesn’t require height or length or extraordinary strength, only quickness, mobility, stamina and intelligence. He pointed out that the world’s No. 1 female player is a Malaysian, Nicole David.

Robert Garcia has bagged a bronze in squash for the country in the last two SEA Games. Balleber said there is a growing pool of teenaged talent ready to take over from the seniors in international competitions.