SQUASH SA has praised the work of Grant Norman, who has received Squash Australia's Volunteer of the Year award for 2009.
Norman, who recently moved from Clare to Adelaide, was instrumental in Clare hosting the Australian Open Squash Championships for three years from 2007-09.
He approached Squash SA with a plan to host the 2007 event in February of that year only five months before the Australian Open.
"Amazingly the glass court was set up and all ran smoothly,'' Squash SA's General Manager Phil Sinnott said.
"Grant coordinated the Clare volunteers and was involved in the budget, grandstand set up, glass court set up, hall heating, PA sound system, event dinner, bus hire, transport to and from Adelaide, accommodation for players and finding local sponsors.''
Mr Sinnott said that Norman was Squash SA's local connection for all things relating to the Australian Open in Clare.
"Each year saw improvements and in 2009 the Australian Open featured an international field of quality players, epic finals and a relaxed and enjoyable country atmosphere."
Mr Sinnott said that the players really appreciated the enthusiasm and the "nothing was too much trouble" attitude of the volunteers.
But some players are disappointed that after three years the Australian Open is moving away from Clare.
"This year the AO has joined the Super Series and moves to Canberra in August.
"The world's best are expected to participate.
"Grant Norman and Clare Squash Club have been instrumental in keeping the Australian Open a major event on the squash calendar at a time when sponsors were finding it difficult to support sporting events.''
During his time at the Clare Squash Club, he was president, junior squash program coordinator and club coach, all on a voluntary basis.
"Grant influenced the transformation of squash in Clare to rebuild in numbers and to sustain a strong supportive club culture,'' Squash SA newly elected President, Mark Goldstone said.
"It is the most progressive and successful squash club in South Australia and likely to be the most progressive club in regional country Australia.
"The club has 100 seniors and 55 juniors playing regularly.''
Norman, an accountant by profession, is a handy squash player capable of playing in the top grade in Adelaide.
His brother is Ross Norman, a former world champion. Grant's two sons Lucas, 17, and Oliver, 15, have continued the family dynasty and are both very promising juniors.
ROB BIDMEADE
