NEW DIRECTIONS
by Luke St. Onge

The year has really gotten off to a great start. The 17th Annual Leadership Conference was held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, with over 70 people in attendance. Between them, 35 states and four manufacturers were represented, with appearances by Scott Winters from Ektelon, Mike Martinez from Pro Kennex, Doug Ganim and Ben Simons from HEAD/Penn, Ron Grimes from E-Force. The two main themes of this Conference were a “Grow the Sport” initiative by the Racquetball Industry Association and increasing the USRA membership to its goal of 22,000 by January of 2002. 

Probably the most notable achievement of the three-day meeting was the solidarity across all segments of the industry toward these common goals. State associations, USRA Board, the Racquetball Industry Association [RIA], International Racquetball Federation, LPRA, IRT, IHRSA and the USOC all came together to discuss, debate and agree on programs to develop and promote racquetball. 

This was a vision of the 1990 USRA Strategic Plan which had held the highest priority. At that time, the sport as a whole was fragmented – and it had been divided for over 15 years, making the outlook for unification seem bleak. But new blood came into Leadership roles and slowly but surely we worked towards the goal of having all factions in the industry form a collective effort to develop and promote our sport. 

So, after this decade-long effort, this was truly an historic moment for racquetball and for those who were in attendance at the conference. It’s very difficult to fight a battle on two fronts. Our struggle is now on the outside, not on the inside. A unified focus within the sport is crucial to its continued development and progress. Thanks to all those who made it happen!

PLUS! ... For the first time since the USRA gained acceptance as a recognized national governing body for the sport of racquetball, the U.S. Olympic Committee has granted the association the right to use the Olympic Rings logo on its official merchandise and apparel [see preview]. This visual association with the exclusive five rings logo gives racquetball an exciting new visibility and exposure in the sports marketplace. 

The premiere release of the USRA’s new Olympic Rings merchandise appears on the inside back cover and will soon be available for purchase online through the USRA storefront at: http://usrastore.active.com. Be among the first to show your colors with “Olympic Racquetball” clothing.