Owen Verwey, President of the Guyana Squash Association, said yesterday that the individual singles competition of the ongoing Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) championships witnessed great displays of sportsmanship, adding that he envisions a very competitive team tournament.
Verwey made the remarks yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2022 CASA Championship at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.
Verwey charged the competitors to do their best and relish the experience of the competition, adding that the tournament creates a social avenue which affords players the opportunity to meet new people and create memories for a lifetime.
He thanked the sponsors for aiding in the successful staging of the tournament following a difficult period which resulted in a two year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was declared open by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Kashif Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Muhammad, during brief remarks, stated that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as well as the NSC, supports the event wholeheartedly and is happy to collaborate with the association to ensure that the tournament is a success.
He added that the squash association at every level, applies the proverbial talent code philosophy, which is testament of the entity’s objective of constant improvement through hard-work and dedication.
“I would like to declare the championship open, I wish all the teams best of luck but may the best team win the championships,” said Muhammad.
Godfrey Munroe, Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), stated that the entity was pleased to be associated and given the opportunity to be the title sponsor of the championship.
He declared that squash, which is an incubator for youth development, has always been associated with excellence in Guyana, adding that discipline is in good hands both locally and in the Caribbean region.
Simone Pierre, Chief Commercial Officer of Digicel, stated that the company has been supporting the squash fraternity for numerous years and that their continued assistance highlights their commitment to youth development through sports and education. She also stated that the company looks forward to future collaborations with the association.
Eight countries including Guyana, featured in the individual section of the tournament. The other competing nations are Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will not feature in the team section. They departed local shores last evening.
