Welcome

As the President of the European Squash Federation I would like to welcome you all to Bratislava, Slovakia for the 6th European Individual Championships.

I have always been a strong believer in this event, because as squash is an individual sport I found it strange that European Squash formerly only had team championships.  Today you have entered this championship because you hope to earn the title of European Champion 2008.  I am extremely pleased that a fair number of strong players have entered, but I, together with the organisers, will always strive for more strong players. This is something that can be worked on by all of us.  We should all generate more publicity for this event: you amongst your fellow players and us through our member nations.  In the meantime I thank you for coming to Bratislava this year.

Although these Championships are the youngest of all, the EICC 2008 will be the first in the history of European Squash to use the scoring system PAR 11: a first step in unifying our scoring system.

On behalf of the ESF board I would like to thank the Slovakian Federation for hosting this year’s event and for offering the players professionally organised European Individual Championships.  We know that a lot of work goes into organising such events and we hope that you will be satisfied with the competition and with the final result. 

Welcome to all the coaches, managers, referees and supporters, because your presence at this event makes it all complete.  The game of squash needs you at these championships. 

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Rusty Koys and his team and thanks to all organisations and companies that have helped to fund these championships.

Last but not least: have fun and enjoy the competition as you battle to become European Champion!

Hugo Hannes
President