Last summer, Chicago made history as host to the nation?s first-ever professional squash tournament to be held outdoors. Attracting elite squash players from around the world, the 2008 Sweet Home Chicago Open squash tournament showcased Chicago as a world- class city capable of hosting a sporting event on an international scale. This year, Chicago will once again immerse itself in the international spotlight, as it plays host to the 2009 U.S. Open Squash Championship from September 2 - 6.

This unique event - to be held in an all-glass court in Pioneer Court, between Tribune Tower and the Chicago River - continues to elevate the city?s profile, as well as the sport of squash, which is played in more than 150 countries by an estimated 20 million people. Squash is also one of the seven sports currently being considered for addition to the 2016 Olympics, which, as we all know, Chicago is competing for the honor to host. This short list of Olympic sports will be narrowed to two by mid-August, and a tournament of this caliber held in a possible host city could be the final push that squash needs to make it into the Games.

The 2009 U.S. Open is expected to draw top players from throughout the world, in addition to sports enthusiasts, spectators and the news media. Last year, the tournament was covered by major local outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, CBS, FOX and WGN-TV, to name a few, bringing the game of squash - not to mention the event's sponsors - to tens of thousands of Chicagoans each day that matches were played.

SPONSORSHIP

We would like to offer you the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary event, which - given the prominent location, arena specifications and caliber of talent expected to participate - will help raise the profile of your business among clients and prospects, consumers, the media and the sports community throughout the world.

I hope you will join us and become an integral part of the success of an event that promises to boost the sport of squash and further enhance Chicago?s profile as a city that knows world-class sporting events.

Sincerely,

Imran Nasir
Tournament Director
2009 U.S. Open