Rainbow Racquets Squash Sydney held its first annual Pride Squash Tournament during Sydney WorldPride last week in a lively celebration of diversity, competition and community.

Featuring 46 entrants from six countries and states all around Australia, more than 70 matches were contested throughout the event. New Zealand’s Jacky Chan, representing Rainbow Racquets Squash Canberra took out the Group A competition, while Sydneysiders Kieran Bryant and Steven Antipas brought home the gold in Groups B and C, respectively. 

Adding a bit more fun to proceedings, leading New South Wales players and East Coast Squash Academy representatives Jake Robinson and George Thomas played an exhibition match split into two parts: ‘serious’ and ‘silly’.

"As the competition director for over 24 international tournaments, we love the Rainbow Racquets Squash team for holding a Pride Squash Open Tournament in Sydney," said Graham Rind, owner of Gay Squash. 

After the event concluded long-term squash player, David Smith from Sydney, called the event "a triumph," along with David Cowell from Melbourne, who said that "Rainbow Racquets needs to be part of the Mardi Gras 2024 parade," while Bernie Tan from New York said it was "one of the best tournaments he has ever attended."

Stephan Wurzinger and Norman Mitchell, the co-organisers of the Pride Squash Tournament, both agreed that the event was a success and are grateful for the support they have received from Squash Australia.

"We are very proud and excited about the collaboration with Squash Australia, and in less than a year, two existing squash clubs have formally become Rainbow Racquets Squash Sydney and Rainbow Racquets Squash Canberra."

Nick Youngquest, who serves on Squash Australia's Advisory Group for Diversity and Inclusion, has stated his mission is to ensure that "all sports make the necessary changes to truly reflect the diversity in their communities," and it is "an honour to celebrate these proud role models in the squash community." 

Robert Donaghue, CEO of Squash Australia, addressed 70+ squash players at the Awards Night and reiterated the priority of “providing continuous support and opportunities to those within the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring a happy and safe environment for our players. We hope to see more events like this in the future and see more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies participate in Squash.”

Shaun McEachin, National Lead in Sport Development at Squash Australia expressed how proud he is of the event and can’t wait to see more events like the Pride Tournament in the future.

“Squash Australia is committed to creating a healthy sporting environment and a supportive community for LGBTIQ+ athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, staff and supporters,” said McEachin. 

“We’re proud to have been part of such an amazing event. As we continue working through our Rainbow Roadmap, we hope to see more events and activities like this.”

GOLD MEDALS

* Group A - Jacky Chan (New Zealand) - playing for Rainbow Racquets Canberra

* Group B - Kieran Bryant (Sydney) - playing for Hiscoes 

* Group C - Steven Antipas (Sydney) - playing for Hiscoes

SILVER MEDALS

* Group A - James Spalding (Sydney) - playing for Bondi Waverley Squash

* Group B - Tyson Beckman (Sydney) - playing for Rainbow Racquets Sydney 

* Group C - Dave Main (Sydney) - playing for Rainbow Racquets Sydney 

BRONZE MEDALS

* Group A - Paddy Burca (Sydney) - playing for Bondi Waverley Squash

* Group B - Stephan Wurzinger (Sydney) - playing for Rainbow Racquets Sydney 

* Group C - Bryan Flynn (Sydney) - playing for Rainbow Racquets Sydney