WSF chief executive Andrew Shelley commented: "The WSF group had the opportunity to meet enthusiasts from all over the Baltic region – and to talk to the Latvian Olympic Committee visitors who knew of our short-listing for the 2020 Olympic Games and wanted to see the activities personally.

"But this was only the start of what we hope will be a long-term link as the sport flourishes under the efforts and initiatives of the Latvian Squash Federation."

The three-day visit to the country's capital, Riga was described as inspirational by Alex Pavulans (pictured above right), chairman of the Latvian Squash Federation.

"The WSF Ambassadors were a real inspiration to the Latvian squash community – the impact of Nicol David and John White's visit to Riga will be remembered for years to come," he said.

"It's been a rare opportunity for Latvians – especially our juniors – to see squash at this level, as well to have the chance to share a court with two of the sport's top international stars.

"The media interest the visit has attracted has been a fantastic boost for squash in Latvia – and we hope that we will be able to build on this with our domestic championships in the future.

"We would like to be able to stage a Tour event here soon – perhaps a women's WISPA event.

"Furthermore, we hope that the widespread interest this has generated will enable us to attract funding from our Sports Ministry."

Just weeks after winning a record sixth World Open title, Malaysia's David – who has topped the women's world rankings since 2006 – joined White, now the director of squash at Drexel University in the United States, at the event hosted by the Latvian Squash Federation at the eight-court Zelta Bowling and Squash Centre.

After a press conference at the centre, the players met and hosted coaching sessions for the Latvian national senior and junior men's and women's squads, and entertained enthusiasts to a series of exhibition matches.

The Ambassador Programme also featured a two-day coaching workshop hosted by Ronny Vlassaks, the head coach of the Dutch and Belgian national squash teams, and similarly a refereeing seminar led by Scotsman Ian Allanach, a former WSF top referee and now a worldwide refereeing assessor.

The visit also attracted enthusiasts from neighbouring Baltic countries Estonia and Lithuania, as well as from Russia.

Edvinas Dovydaitis, President of the Lithuania Squash Federation, highlighted the new SEB Arena in Vilnius:  "All five courts are currently fully booked from 8am through to 11pm each day – we want to use this momentum to build more courts, and are currently looking for a location to build a new club."

One notable attendee at Zelta was Liene Rieba, the Latvian under 17 number one who lives 165 kilometres from Riga in Madona – small town boasting just one court.

"My dad introduced me to squash and I love it," she said.

"I couldn't wait for the chance to play with Nicol and John – it is the most exciting thing I've ever done.

"I love winning – I am going to play in a European event in Prague in January and I definitely want to win it."

White was impressed by the Madona teenager:  "Liene is clearly very keen and went for everything when we played.

"She certainly has potential."

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