The St Lucia Squash Association has had a busy year so far organizing the annual Independence team tournaments, playoffs for team selection to Junior and senior OECS championships, the hosting of the Junior OECS in April, sending a team to Senior OECS in BVI in May and now they are in the midst of planning their annual St Lucia Squash Open.
This year the Association celebrates the 19th anniversary of this tournament, a feat that is not easy for any association today.
Association President , Cheryl Renwick, commends her team members in the association for helping to organize this major tournament each year, but recognizes that the unwavering support from the corporate sector and the media have played major roles in ensuring that the tournament is sustained and successful on an annual basis.
The Association takes pride in the fact that the tournament promotes sports tourism and this year will be no different with players already registered from as far as Nigeria. This is the first time the association have been able to attract players from that far afield and are extremely excited. In addition, world ranked player Colin Ramasra of Trinidad & Tobago is returning after a few years.
Sponsors have come on board with confirmation from Hotels such as Cap Maison, Harmony Marina Suites, Rex St Lucian, the Blue Hotel and Bay Gardens Hotel. Other private sector sponsorship has been confirmed from St Lucia Electricity Services Ltd, Rodney Bay Marina, Heineken, St Lucia Distillers.
President Renwick is again excited for the support. She said: “With the economic climate being so depressed at this time and each corporate entity receiving so many requests, we appreciate the assistance we continue to get.”
The tournament begins on June 25th and play continues for the week ending with prize giving on the evening of June 30. When asked what makes the St Lucia tournament so popular and successful, President Renwick replied: “The structure of the tournament allows competitors to enjoy the beaches and sights of St Lucia during the day, play in the evening and then take in some of the restaurants and night life we have to offer.”
Although the tournament is a full week it is like a holiday for players as well, instead of just visiting the island and playing intensive matches throughout a weekend and not getting an opportunity to enjoy the island.
