Local squash lovers can expect to be treated to a feast of thrilling squash matches when the 2019 senior Caribbean Squash Championships (CASA) get underway in Georgetown from August 18th to the 24th.
The tournament will be contested at the Georgetown Club and the National Racquet Centre.
Headlining an experienced Guyanese squad is former world-rated squash player Nicolette Fernandes and senior men’s national champion Jason-Ray Khalil.
Fernandes, who a few years ago announced her retirement from professional squash, clarified that the move to participate in this year’s CASA was in no way a signal that she is contemplating a return to the international circuit. On the contrary, she merely wanted to take the opportunity to play in the tournament since it is being hosted at home. She last played for Guyana in the Pan Am Games qualifiers in the Cayman Islands last year.
Meanwhile, completing the female squad are the 2019 Pan Am games trio Ashley Khalil, Taylor Fernandes, and Mary Fung-A-Fat, along with Larissa Wiltshire and Ashley DeGroot. Madison Fernandes and Kirsten Gomes, who won individual silver and gold in last month’s junior Caribbean championships, will contest in the singles category.
On the men’s side, spearhead Jason Ray-Khalil will be competing alongside Nyron Joseph, Richard Chin, Kristian Jeffery, Shomari Wiltshire and Deje Dias. The veterans over 40 category will feature Regan Pollard and Lydia Fraser as the two lone competitors while Brendon Mounter (over 50) and Selochinie Fung-A-Fat and Denis Dias are down to challenge for the over 50 and 60 crowns respectively.
Guyana is the defending champion in both the male and female teams’ categories.
During the launch ceremony held at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday, the teams were encouraged by representatives of ExxonMobil, Digicel, and President of the Guyana Olympic Association K.A Juman Yassin, who all indicated that the companies they represent are happy to be associated with this year’s event.
“It’s great to be back supporting squash; ExxonMobil Guyana does that…we really look at opportunities to support the development of the communities we operate in and the development of sport is one of those opportunities we see as an important way to develop youth,” said Deedra Moe, the Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil.
Digicel’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara expressed similar sentiments. The 26th edition of the event will feature eight participating countries including Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines and the host.
