Squash Australia and Rainbow Racquets Squash Sydney will co-host the inaugural Pride Squash Australia Tournament as part of Sydney WorldPride 2023.

WorldPride is a global LGBTQIA+ festival that has been staged since 2000, with cities competing to host the event.

Sydney was chosen by InterPride members to be the host of WorldPride in 2023, marking the first time a city in the southern hemisphere had been chosen.

The Pride Squash Australia Tournament will be held at the Hiscoes Squash Club from February 23-24, as one of the 20+ exciting tournaments happening during Sydney WorldPride Sports Week.

Stephan Wurzinger, President of Rainbow Racquets Squash explained the upcoming squash tournament is going to be the largest since 2002. 

“This will be the largest LGBTQIA+ squash tournament in the Southern Hemisphere since the Gay Games in 2002, and we are excited to welcome our international and inter-state club players,” said Wurzinger.  

The event is a celebration of inclusivity that is open to all adults of any sexual orientation or gender identity. The event will feature the likes of Jason McLauchland and Zoe Collins. 

Norman Mitchell, from Team Sydney Sports and Rainbow Racquets Squash, shared his enthusiasm in having  McLaunchland and Collins onboard as Tournament Directors 

"Fellow squashers will be very excited to know that Jason McLauchlan from Maash Squash/Stellar Sports along with Zoe Collins have agreed to be our Tournament Directors, and will put together a great play schedule for us," said Mitchell. 

Robert Donaghue, CEO of Squash Australia is proud to have Squash Australia as a member of Pride in Sport, with the aim to make this an annual event that will be hosted in conjunction with future Mardi Gras events.

“As the peak body in the country, Squash Australia has an essential role to play in leading towards healthy, inclusive, fair and respectful behaviours in sport, ensuring that the standards expected by our community are maintained at all times,” said Donaghue.  

“The tournament will cater for all skill levels so that everyone can register and play the game we all love”.

For all event information, click here

To learn more about World Pride, click here