The palatial French Embassy in Washington – France’s second-biggest embassy in the world – hosted the Opening Ceremony for the 2019 WSF Men’s World Team Championship in style.
Players and officials from 23 nations were warmly welcomed by hosts US Squash and Squash on Fire
Peter Lasusa, the US-based Vice President of the WSF, thanked the Embassy for hosting the ceremony – and introduced William Louis-Marie, the newly-appointed CEO of the WSF.
Just days into his new role, Louis-Marie expressed his excitement at being able to attend the first WSF World Team Championship to be held in the USA.
He then introduced Squash on Fire owner Anthony Lanier – who explained that he built his unique eight-court facility because “I was so frustrated at how poor squash was being perceived – I wanted to help make squash grow!”
Lanier went on to express his pride at hosting the first WSF World Championship in the USA
With all the nations’ flag bearers standing side by side on the Embassy auditorium stage, Lasusa handed over the WSF flag to Lanier to officially mark the opening of the event.