NAGICO Insurances has announced its Platinum Sponsorship of the prestigious Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Juniors Championships to be hosted by the Virgin Islands (BVI) from June 30th to July 6th, 2024. Photo: Prrovided

The Championships are set to be a spectacular showcase of young squash talent from across the Caribbean.

Stacey Roberts, Manager for Sales, Retention & Marketing at NAGICO Insurances, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, "At NAGICO, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote health, fitness, and community engagement. The CASA Juniors Championships embody these values, bringing together young athletes to compete and inspire each other. We are proud to play a part in making this event a success and look forward to seeing the incredible talent on display."

This year marks the first time since 2007 that the VI will host the Junior CASA Championships, the largest junior squash tournament in the region. The event si expected to attract around 150 of the best junior squash players from eight different territories including Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent, and the Bahamas.

The group will also be accompanied by 50-100 coaches and parents, the Championships are expected to draw 200-250 visitors, providing a significant boost to local sports tourism.

Interpath

Another platinum sponsor is Interpath.

Hugh Wright, an Associate Director at Interpath, said: "We at Interpath are really proud to be sponsoring this event and to be able to give back to the community by encouraging the next generations to be involved in an activity such as squash which promotes fitness, wellbeing, competition and fun."

Adam Murrills, BVI National Squash Coach and Tortola Sports Club Squash Coach, said he is incredibly excited for the VI to be hosting the premier junior squash event within the region.

Murrills added, “The Nagico and Interpath Caribbean Junior Squash Championships 2024 will be an amazing opportunity for our juniors to showcase their skills in front of friends and family.”

He said the players have been training hard, and I’m hopeful of the team achieving its best set of results to date at these Championships. Events as big as this don’t happen without considerable sponsorship.

The VI boasts a thriving junior squash programme, with 50-60 juniors attending weekly sessions. The buzz surrounding the Championships, coupled with squash’s recent inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aims to further boost junior participation and promote a healthier lifestyle within the region.

The VI’s junior squash team has seen remarkable progress in recent years, winning a bronze medal in 2022 and two silver medals in 2023. The excitement of hosting the Championships at home is expected to inspire even greater performances, with hopes of winning the first gold medal in 15 years.