By Sean Devers
SQUASH and Hockey are arguably the most ‘family oriented’ Sports in Guyana and that was again evident at the Woodpecker Junior tournament at the Georgetown Club last week with every member pitching in to assist in the development of the sport on and off the Court.

Whenever there is a well-oiled team, it’s usually led by a competent and hardworking leader and, on this occasion, it’s the long serving David Fernandes who has transitioned from a National Hockey player and junior National Table Tennis player to a successful Administrator in Squash and at Bounty Farm.

Fernandes disclosed that the GSA had selected 31 players for the Junior CASA in St Vincent, while adding that he is confident that the Senior Girls team will qualify for the PanAm Games.
“The level at the recently concluded Junior tournament was very good especially in certain categories. However, some our top players were in the middle of their CXC exams.

“The team travelling has already been selected. We have 31 players going to this year’s junior CASA championships. Based on the individual results we will select the team to take part in the team tournament,” explained Fernandes.

CASA Junior is slated for July 15-23 and Fernandes said that the junior tournaments are extremely important for the development of our young athletes.

“Exposure to these tournaments not only gives them an opportunity to compete against the best in the Caribbean. But it makes them more confident, determined, proud of bring Guyanese, they will make lifelong friendships, exposure to different countries and cultures.

Squash gives the youths an opportunity at university scholarships,” continued the GSA Head.

Fernandes is confident that Guyana will do very well this year.

“The depth of our team is amazing. The boys team again will be very strong. The girls also have a great chance at doing well.

“We lost a few very talented girls because of COVID but I think the girls will surprise people this year. They will fight and give of their best.

“All we ever ask of our team is to give of your best. The results will come,” declared Fernandes.

“We have two very talented players in Avery Arjoon in U-15 and Kerstin Gomes, U-19.

“They will lead the team and the other young players will support them and play their part in competing against the best in the Caribbean,” Fernandes opined
Fernandes informed that the junior programme has some very promising female and male players and GSA will continue to have the depth going forward.

“I am seeing some great young prospects improving daily with our coaches doing a fantastic job with all of the kids.
The parents as well have shown the commitment necessary for this type of success,” Fernandes disclosed.

Guyana’s senior team will travel to Cartagena, Columbia for the PanAm Qualifiers from June 4-10.
The Men’s team comprise Alex Arjoon, Jason Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal and his cousin, Daniel Ince, while the Women’s team is spearheaded by two former Caribbean Singles Champions, Nicolette Fernandes and Ashley Khalil, along withTaylor Fernandes and Mary Fung-a-Fat.

“We have a very talented team going to the Pan American Qualifiers. Our women’s team has a better chance of qualifying, being led by Nicolette and Ashley.
Our men’s team will have a bit tougher time against some of the power houses of Pan Am squash.

They will have the opportunity to play against some of the top players in the world,” noted Fernandes.

Fernandes stated that the junior team is preparing well but added that some of our senior juniors have exams, so they will have to put extra work once their exams are finished.
“We are very happy with the effort given this year especially from the very young kids. This auger well for the future.

Fernandes explained that the seniors have all been putting in the work but lamented that the senior athletes have day jobs so they work at various times daily with their training sessions.
“We have gotten support from the Ministry of Sport through the NSC, GOA and many other sponsors including many parents. We really appreciate all of the support we get as the only way that our athletes from any sports association will succeed is through exposure to these international events. Where their talents are tested and there after work can be done continuously to improve their ability to be more and more competitive over time,” Fernandes concluded.