COMMUNICATIONS giant Digicel and Beverage conglomerate Ansa McAl, through the Smalta brand, reaffirmed their commitment to the development and growth of squash in Guyana yesterday by presenting uniforms to the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) team to Barbados.During a simple yet significant ceremony, Event and Sponsorship manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope, reminded all present that the mobile company has always had the development of squash at heart.
“I was informed that this is the largest contingent leaving these shores to represent Guyana and we want to congratulate the administration of the Squash association. Over the years we have seen the growth in the game, we have seen an increased number of players participating in squash and we want to commend them for that. I can assure them that our support would continue in the same vein especially as we see the continued development of squash in Guyana.”
Ansa McAl representative Jamaal Douglas indicated that the company is always ready and raring to sponsor youths.” We at Ansa McAl through the Smalta brand are always looking at ways in which we can promote the sport at the grassroots level, and we see Squash being built on that principle hence our support.”
Meanwhile, team manager Garfield Wiltshire expressed his thanks to both organisations for their support and their role in the sport’s development.
“On behalf of the Guyana Squash Association, I’d just like to thank Digicel and Ansa McAl for their continued support. They are our main corporate sponsors and without them, the success that we have had over the years would not have been possible.”
The first set of players will depart later today and the second set tomorrow for the tournament which gets under way from July 17 to 26 in Barbados.
The players were treated to an exhibition match and pep talk on Tuesday evening by Guyana’s most decorated and currently highest-ranked squash player Nicolette Fernandes, who urged them to enjoy the sport at this stage because that is where they will perform the best.
The team includes at the Under-13 level for boys – Shomari Wiltshire, Samuel Ince-Carvahal, Demetrius De Abreu, Gianni Carpenter, Justin Lilico, Quinn Lilico, and Xavier Gordon.
At the Under-15 male level are Daniel and Anthony Islam while the Under-17s are Ben Mekdeci and Alexander Cheeks. The Under-19s comprise Men’s & U-19 as well as Team captain Nyron Joseph and Alec Melville.
On the distaff side, at the Under-13 level are Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes, Haley Carpenter, Aliyah Persaud and Sage Gordon while at the Under-15 level is Makeda Harding.
The Under 17s are Rebecca Low and Sarah Lewis while the Under-19s are Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire, Gabrielle Fraser and Under-19 female champion and captain Akeila Wiltshire.
Carl Ince is the coach, Tiffany Solomon is (assistant coach), Garfield Wiltshire is (manager) with David Fernandes (assistant manager).

By Stephan Sookram