By Stephan Sookram

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) has teamed up with mobile service providers Digicel for the Digicel Senior Squash Championships, set from June 29 to July 3.During yesterday’s launch at the company’s Barrack and Fort Street head office, president of the Guyana Squash Association David Fernandes contended that the support from corporate entities like Digicel has a huge impact on the sport’s development.
He contended that the 2016 edition which sees Digicel as the title sponsor, represents a major boost of confidence for the sport, with several other positives being touted ahead of the start date.
“We have this year some overseas-based players in Kristian Jeffrey and Alex Arjoon who are back home, so they will be in the men’s championships where we have quite a few very talented players including former national champions Regan Pollard, Jason Ray Khalil and defending champion Nyron Joseph,” Fernandes continued.
While Fernandes contended that the 2016 edition does not have the full host of international female players, several big names, including former champion Ashley Khalil among others, have already signed up.
The tournament will feature six categories of action namely the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Novices, Veterans Men’s 35-49 years old, Veterans Men’s Over-50 years and Women Over-35 years. The Novices category will feature only males.
Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara in giving brief remarks contended that, “Sports and youth go hand-in-hand for us; youth development as well as sport development.”
“It (the partnership) is something that is very dear to us. We’ve been doing it since 2014 and the partnership that we have with them and having our brand displayed internationally and regionally is something that we will always support,” she continued
The tournament will be played exclusively at the Georgetown Club Squash courts.