To organize and unite all factions of Outdoor Racquetball under one association that will promote and govern the outdoor game. WOR will work to bring outdoor players throughout the world into the mainstream of racquetball through affiliation with the US Racquetball Association. WOR and the outdoor game will be an important vehicle in the promotion and overall growth of the sport of racquetball.

WORLD OUTDOOR RACQUETBALL

World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) is the parallel universe to the traditional sport of racquetball played by millions in clubs throughout the country. The rules are the same, the racquets and ball are the same but the attitude and action take this variation of the sport to a whole new level. Sunglasses replace eyeguards, hats replace headbands, and shirts are optional - sunscreen is one of the most valuable commodities in your bag!

The top players in the outdoor game are equally skilled to the best indoor players and International Racquetball Tour professionals are frequently found struggling with the nuances of playing outside and losing matches out in the wind and the sun.

Tournaments held in the fresh air and bright sunshine take on a whole new atmosphere; generally more social and party-like, often part of larger outdoor festivals or events but always competitive on the court. The speed and the power of the game played on the hardest of walls and floors, the athleticism of the players (yes, they still dive for balls on the concrete), and the opportunity to hit a killshot from 50 feet away make WOR events unlike any the traditional indoor player or spectator has ever seen.

WOR was formed in 2004 to promote what players in Southern California, South Florida, and a handful of other venues have known for years; the outdoor game can take the sport of racquetball to new levels of excitement and opportunity. Imagine an event played on Daytona Beach during Spring Break with tens of thousands of students passing by or an event played on Navy Pier during Jazz Fest in Chicago. These are the opportunities opened up by bringing the sport outside to the masses. Are those realistic venues for WOR events? Yes, eventually WOR will look for opportunities to partner with great outdoor events around the country - a new portable court currently being developed will help make that possible.

Right now, WOR, with the support of Ektelon, has scheduled an inaugural tournament schedule including many of the great traditional outdoor events (like the annual Outdoor Nationals in Southern California) plus starting its expansion to venues like Waikiki and Belle Isle, Michigan. As support from players, fans, promoters, and sponsors grows, so to will the WOR tour and scope of the organization. Opportunities exist for athletes, events, and partners to be involved from the beginning and be an integral part of what, long term, may lead the sport of racquetball to new heights.