Squash Philanthropist, Captain Adedayo Awobokun (left), President, Nigeria Squash Federation, Boye Oyerinde, top seed, Tom Ford and tournament promoter, Chamberlain Usoh during the unveiling of the Chamberlain International Squash Open in Lagos…at the weekend.
Winner at the maiden Chamberlain International Squash Open will get a total of $12, 000 at the one-week tournament, which started yesterday at the Squash Section of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.
Addressing journalists at the weekend, Chamberlain Usoh, whose company is organising the tournament, said the organisers’ vision is to promote and develop squash among the youth and also bring up a new generation of players that would represent the country at national and international events.
He revealed that through the Chamberlain Squash Open his company is contributing its quota to the development of squash at the grassroots level, as well as creating opportunity for Nigerian players to compete in an international tournament to gain more exposure on the sport.
Usoh added that it would aid Nigeria’s flag to be hoisted on an international sporting arena, saying that more players can only be ranked in the Professional Squash Association global ranking when they are exposed to international championships of this nature.
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Chamberlain disclosed that the squash tourney, which will end on Saturday, will have 89 professional and international players jostling to make their mark in all age levels of the competition, adding that players from all states of the federation will also participate in thee competition.
“My organisation is a sport-centered organisation passionately devoted to the development, organisation and promotion of squash in Nigeria. A total of $12, 000 cash reward would be shared among winners of the Chamberlain Open. Our core value is to promote squash in Nigeria. We are focused to harvest and harness raw talents and equally cultivate a robust competitive spirit among the players irrespective of age or gender.
“The championship is a platform for perform at their best, compete fairly and respect the rules of the game to ensure good spectator viewership. My special appreciation goes to Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth development and Nigeria Squash Federation,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, newly elected Squash Federation President, Boye Oyerinde reiterated his commitment to developing squash in Nigeria, stressing that more championships would be organised to give players a sense of belonging.
“I thank the organizers of the Squash Open because it has been a while we had a press parley on Squash. My board would work hard to revamp the game in Nigeria and more of this international tourney would take place in my tenure. Our players just returned from a Zimbabwean tourney, where they performed well,” he said.
Source: G Sport
