President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes has dismissed any possibility of Guyana participating in any international squash event even though Guyana has reopened its international airports to commercial flights.
Fernandes, during a recent interview with Stabroek Sport, said the government should first seek to give access to sports facilities before any further consideration is given for international participation during this time.
“No, we got to start training first,” said the squash president.
“The facilities have to open up first before we go anywhere. You see, you have to train for at least three to four months prior to any international event.” H0wever, Fernandes explained that some of the country’s high-profile players are being given the opportunity to maintain their sharpness outside of the jurisdiction.
“Currently Shomari Wiltshire has been given a scholarship at Old Farm in the US so he’s off and training right now and he is probably the only one best equipped right now in terms of being prepared if there were any opportunities.
“All our women’s players are currently not able to play. I think Mary (Fung – A – Fat) is coaching in the US and probably playing a bit.”
Meanwhile, as a number of the international events were forced to be postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, the World Squash Federation on the occasion of World Squash Day celebrated on 10 October 2020, “help re-launch the game following the global COVID-19 pandemic.”“Enthusiastic players took to the streets, uploaded squash-related videos to social media sites, and also enjoyed doing what they love most, playing full or conditioned games on recently reopened courts while observing COVID-19 safety guidelines – with even the Loch Ness Monster joining the fun,” according to the body’s website.
