Supporting Organ Donation Through Sport: ASV’s Squashathon Event
At ASV we believe in the power of sport to bring people together and make a difference and when the ASV Squash club asked us to support their event raising awareness for organ donation it was a simple yes!
This brought together people of all ages and skill levels, with participation from NHS Grampian, Scotland’s leading junior squash players, and everyday members of the ASV community.
The Squashathon was an all-day event starting bright and early at 7 a.m., the event ran for 15 hours, featuring a wide variety of activities that catered to squash enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
One of the highlights of the event were the “Come & Try” sessions, which were open to anyone interested in picking up a squash racket for the first time. These sessions provided an opportunity for people to experience the fun and excitement of squash in a welcoming and supportive environment. ASV’s expert coaches were on hand to guide participants through the basics, making sure everyone had a positive experience, regardless of skill level.
For younger players, the Junior Session was a key part of the day. It offered a dedicated space for kids to learn about the sport, meet new friends, and get active. Events like this are particularly important to ASV’s mission of promoting youth participation in sports, and it was heartening to see so many young players taking part.
One of the main attractions of the ‘Squashathon’ was the Exhibition Match featuring two of Scotland’s leading junior squash players, Conor Murray and Tom Clark. Both players are rising stars in the squash world, and their participation in the event added an exciting edge to the day’s activities.
Conor and Tom’s exhibition match was a showcase of skill, speed, and strategy, leaving the crowd in awe of their talent. For the young aspiring squash players in the audience, seeing two top-level athletes in action was not only inspiring but also a glimpse into what could be achieved through dedication and hard work.
Beyond the exhibition match, Conor and Tom also spent time engaging with participants, sharing their experiences and offering advice to junior players. This kind of interaction between up-and-coming athletes and the local community is something that ASV strongly supports, as it helps to foster a deeper connection between athletes and fans, while also encouraging the next generation of players to pursue their passion.
In addition to Conor and Tom, we also had Sarah and Innes, both from NHS Grampian taking part. Their involvement highlighted the crucial link between health and sports, and how initiatives like this can serve to promote important health-related causes such as organ donation which is a cause that is close to many people’s hearts. Sarah and Innes not only participated in the squash activities but also spoke with attendees about the importance of organ donation and how individuals can sign up to be donors.
Squashathon really was a celebration of the many ways that we can all contribute to our community’s well-being – a fantastic day and outcome at ASV for all involved!