36 players participated in a big team competition at the Tortola Sports Club for World Squash Day on October 12, 2019, the largest number to take part in the Virgin Islands (VI) in 2 years. Photo: BVI Squash Rackets Association

Joe Chapman (in photo), Jonathan Addo, Alex Lower, Neville Wyllie, Decoy Mactavious, Jake Hallet, Darci Reich, Lisa Adamson and Ksenia Shvalova made up the winning unit in a big team competition at the Tortola Sports Club for World Squash Day on October 12, 2019. Photo: File

The event, which is celebrated internationally each year, was open to players of all ages and abilities.

According to a press release from the BVI Squash Rackets Association, 36 players participated in a big team competition at the Tortola Sports Club, the largest number to take part in the Virgin Islands (VI) in 2 years.

The winning team comprised Joe Chapman, Jonathan Addo, Alex Lower, Neville Wyllie, Decoy Mactavious, Jake Hallet, Darci Reich, Lisa Adamson and Ksenia Shvalova.

“There were fantastic matches between the federation’s top players which was inspiring for the new comers, and I definitely saw some great squash being played by all who joined in,” said Adam Murrills, Squash coach and organiser of the event.

Increased interest in Squash ‘encouraging’

“The increase in interest and the progress of squash players in the BVI over the last 12 months has been very encouraging for the continued development of the sport,” said Mark Chapman, President of the BVI Squash Rackets Association.

“While we want to appeal to the wider community to give squash a go, we’re specifically targeting young potential players by engaging with organisations such as YEP and schools,” Mr Chapman added.

After school clubs

Coach Murrills runs after school clubs during the week as well as group sessions on Saturdays.

The squash pro currently has a roster of 35 young players from Elmore Stoutt High School, YEP, First impressions, Cedar, Francis Lettsome, Joyce Samuels, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary Schools – the majority of players are new to squash.

According to the BVI Squash Rackets Association, Coach Murrills continues to meet with principals and PE teachers to raise awareness of the sport and to invite youngster to learn.

“Coach Murrills is doing an excellent job of introducing squash at a grassroots level and the BVISRA is hopeful that these continued efforts will result in a pool of future contenders for the big international competitions such as the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games,” said Chapman.

Fundraising to attend Barbados Jr Open

A BBQ and baked treats for sale at World Squash Day helped to raise funds for the federation’s junior players who will compete in the Barbados Junior Open, November 28 – December 1, 2019.

The federation acknowledged the donations made by Conyers, Dill and Pearman and Capriccios and Jonathan Addo.