The Nigeria Squash Federation has thrown its weight behind the second edition of the Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora Under-13 and Under-16 National Squash Tournament, which will hold from 15 to 17 November, 2018 at the Squash Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
This year’s edition does not only feature over 150 children participating in the tourney but also it includes the age grade of ‘Over 45’ category taking part in the competition.
Chairman of Ex-Squash Pro Diaspora, Femi Solomon Shittu, told said that the goal of the competition is to give to the grassroots the platform to showcase their talent and skill and also the also the young players to show their playing abilities.
“The purpose of this tournament is to establish the grassroots to help them showcase their talent and also give them room to prove their worth. In terms of financial support am motivated and i will continue to at some point we are looking at corporate bodies to join us and support us , by the grace of God everything will turn good for us.
We are expecting to see improvement from all the players because the standard i have been seeing is not up to expectation but i am not still discouraged, shittu said.
“We have promised them that this is just the beginning because last year’s edition was not up to this year’s own so we are improving year by year,” he added.
President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, Boye Oyerinde, said the development of squash from the grassroots is the most important thing the game serves and also the game has finally come to stay.
“Squash game has come to stay, the most important aspect of the tournament is that it develops the grassroots and young players so as to help groom them. The game is just starting and I know there are still a lot to showcase in this tournament,” he said.
Nigerian top Female Squash player, Yemisi Olatunji, also lauded the efforts of the organizing committee and ex-pros for their limitless support and kindness towards the players and children.
“I am highly grateful and delighted towards the great job the president and ex-pros have done concerning the development of young players and children in helping to also showcase their skills, i say a very big thank you to the organizing committee for putting this tournament together,” she said.