Egyptian player Mostafa Asal has played wearing a shield in the past ©World Squash

The World Squash Federation (WSF) has announced a partnership agreement with i-Mask, allowing squash players a chance to win prizes and support local healthcare workers in the lead-up to World Squash Day.

The owners and distributors of i-Mask, Richard Millman and Simon Stanbridge, have created a branded version to support World Squash Day, which is scheduled to be celebrated on October 10.

Every purchaser of an i-Mask face shield sold with World Squash Day branding will go into draws taking place on September 12, September 26 and World Squash Day itself.

The i-Mask is a piece of protective equipment designed to prevent injury to a player's eyes, but currently an adapted version can be used to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Prizes will be allocated on a regional basis and winners can nominate a healthcare worker to receive five face shields valued at $250 (£191/€211) for the first two draws, with that number doubling for the World Squash Day draw.

Those nominated will receive free supplies of the i-Mask+ specifically adapted for use in the medical and dental professions.

i-Mask founder Richard Millman posing with his protective shield ©i-Mask
i-Mask founder Richard Millman posing with his protective shield ©i-Mask

"This is a wonderful way for the squash community to give something to give something back to all the health heroes who have worked so hard to contain the coronavirus during the past six months or so," Millman said.

"We were approached by squash-playing friends in the healthcare industry who liked wearing the i-Mask on court and asked if we could adapt it for medical and dental workers.

"Simon, who lives in Australia, quickly came up with an acceptable design and, once we had official approval, we were very quickly into production.

"I love the fact that our i-Mask partnership is a truly global one, with our network of distributors able to reach every country on the planet, and that, through World Squash Day, we can encourage the global squash community to support the healthcare workers."

In addition to donations to the workers, i-Mask will also be giving away prizes to those who post the best selfies on social media of players hitting a ball while wearing a face shield.

World Squash Day, endorsed by the WSF and Professional Squash Association, is aimed at highlighting the health and enjoyment benefits of squash to promote the sport globally.