It all started with Ahmed Abdoun.
He’s the founder of 7 Agency, whom I’ve had the privilege to be managed by for the past 7 years. He was sooooo keen on doing it. How nice of him.
He said no matter how much it costs, we have to do it for you, even if we end up losing. And…. thankfully most of the sponsors were super excited and chipped in.
But as you know me, I am very shy. I couldn’t have a day just to celebrate my own career.
It was a celebration of Egyptian squash and of our sport in general, so we thought it would be a great idea to bring everyone that has influenced my career, from my idols as a youngster, to all my coaches, trainers & physios, my sponsors, the people that have helped shape the sport (most notably yourself), my family and friends, and more importantly the players that I have competed with and learned from my whole career.
We came up with the list and thought it would be a very long shot to bring all these players in. I was taken aback by EVERY player’s generosity. The way they all accepted graciously without thinking it twice made me very emotional.
Some of these people were idols I could merely dream of shaking their hands, and some others I’d had some of the fiercest rivalries against them. None of them hesitated. Not for a second.
And without asking for a penny. How gracious!
Especially those coming from different countries. I am super super grateful.
But then now comes the question, how can we fit all of these ‘legends’ in one night? How can we show them the appreciation that they deserve? (Mind you, no matter what we did, they still all deserve A LOT more…)
I’d learned about the NSL and the new format, and I thought the substitution idea would fit perfectly with the idea we had in mind. It would give room to everyone to participate, and to give two seats for some of the legends as coaches. I ask Spencer Lovejoy for his blessing, and not only does he grant it to me… but he flies all the way to Egypt for support. How gracious.. again!
Then comes the execution part.
Again, I cannot thank Abdoun and the 7 Team enough for their incredible effort.
Two weeks of paralysis in their office for this event to happen. Sleepless nights, multiple setbacks, but amidst it all, they were confident that they would deliver an event worthy of Egyptian Squash. And deliver they did. BIG TIME! Super super grateful again.
To be honest, as for my feelings, I was very nervous the whole day, even during the event… but once it was over and I had the time to reflect on it, I couldn’t help but think, what did I do to deserve all this love?
The only answer I could find is, kudos to my parents…
And as always, EL HAMDULELLAH VERY MUCH
