WISPA Celebrate Historic Five-Year US Agreement Women's squash has received a major boost with the announcement of a five-year sponsorship agreement for one of one of the leading events on the Women's International Squash Players' Association World Tour in the USA. The agreement by businessman Al Gordon to extend his sponsorship of the Vassar College of 1932 Women's Open in Poughkeepsie, New York, for a further five years marks the longest single commitment ever made to a WISPA event. "I am pleased to sponsor the Vassar College event at the Silver level for the next five years - and the reasons for my sponsorship are threefold," said Gordon. "Firstly, to bring into sharp focus fond memories of my mother and some of her classmates; secondly, to register appreciation for its very meaningful impact that Vassar College has had and continues to have on the lives of many; and, finally, to show collegiate athletes that there can be a rewarding life as a squash professional," explained Gordon. Tournament Director Jane Parker, the Head Coach at Vassar College, responded: "Vassar College is delighted that Al Gordon has pledged to continue sponsoring our Class of 1932 tournament for an additional five years. We know how rare an opportunity this tournament provides for our community to see such world class competition, and we're excited to continue building interest and participation in squash from this event. "The WISPA players not only treat the crowds to outstanding athleticism and breathtaking matches, but they also share a more personal side of themselves by socialising with the community and even hitting and training with the Vassar teams. Both on and off court, these players have made us all feel part of their big squash family. We are eternally grateful to Al Gordon for enabling even more people to share this wonderful experience with us during the next five years." WISPA Director Andrew Shelley also hailed this major initiative: "Continuity is so important for the WISPA Tour, and this news is really superb. Terms of two or three years are common, but for Al Gordon to commit to Vassar for five is breathtaking. It is already a very popular event but now Jane Parker will be able to continue the development of the championship on a real long-term basis. "It's another boost for women's squash that helps to underpin our steady growth," concluded Shelley.