Cayman to host world open squash tournament

(CINSA): The Cayman Islands National Squash Association (CINSA) announced details of the 2012 Cayman Squash World Open taking place in the Cayman Islands, December 13-21. This tournament attracts the best women’s squash players from around the world and is the largest tournament on the pro tour of the Women’s Squash Association. The details were shared at a press conference at Camana Bay where Government officials, sponsors, members of the Squash Association and members of the media were briefed. The first four days of competition will take place at the South Sound Squash Club and then the action moves to the glass court on the picturesque Festival Green at Camana Bay.

Camana Bay is where reigning World Champion Nicol David (above) won her three Cayman Open titles. David is the six time World Champion from Malaysia and remains undefeated on Cayman soil. In a message sent for today’s event David said; “It's just fantastic that the Cayman Islands will be hosting the 2012 World Open. I'm really excited to be back there and I know a lot of people are coming from all over the world to watch the top women compete and enjoy everything the island has to offer."

David heads the list of 88 athletes participating in the week long Cayman World Open competition that will include,
– 32 player main draw
– 64 player qualifying draw
– Approximately 34 different nationalities present
– Wildcard entrants include: top 2 players from the Cayman Islands, top 2 Caribbean Female senior and junior players, top US College players, top Canadian College players.

The 2012 Cayman World Open will bring over 600 visitors to the islands over the weeklong event and with international media coverage on Squash TV and worldwide print and web coverage; Cayman will be the centre piece for the sport, offering a significant boost to Cayman as an emerging sports tourism destination.

The Honourable Premier of the Cayman Islands and Minister of Tourism McKeeva Bush stated, “Sports tourism is an essential niche market for the development of the Cayman Island’s already diverse tourism product. It is therefore truly an honour for the Cayman Islands to be afforded the privilege of hosting the 2012 World Squash Open. This world championship Squash Open will deliver the added benefit of bringing large groups of people together in the celebration of sport – whether as world class sportsmen
and women, or as fans, spectators, family and friends.

The resultant increase in visitation enhances Cayman’s brand awareness and also has a direct and sizeable effect on our economy. However, while the initial impact stimulates local businesses through the immediate cash injection to the economy, the
real impact is realised via strong word-of-mouth endorsements which drives repeat visitation for years to come”.

The 2012 Cayman World Open will generate thousands of dollars for the junior squash programme which has thrived as the beneficiary of the Cayman Open. Since its inception in 2009, the Cayman Open has been a non-profit event with all the benefits going to the grassroots junior squash programme.

This event has allowed CINSA to hire a national coach for the first time, and greatly expand their junior programme. The 2011 event had over $100,000 worth of benefits for the junior squash programme including $40,000 in cash funding for the National Squash Coach and $32,000 in Dunlop squashequipment.

The profits of the 2012 Cayman World Open will go to the CINSA’s junior squash programme. Over$50,000 of the tournament money will be ring-fenced to ensure these benefits reach the junior programme by funding the National Squash Coach; and the event will again work with Dunlop to provide free equipment to Cayman school squash programmes.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our country,” stated the Honourable Mark Scotland, Minster of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture, “along with the financial support and equipment donations, young aspiring athletes will be able to watch the world’s best squash playersin action – for free and will also be able to participate in free junior clinics; while the Cayman community will watch world class competition right here, in Cayman.”

Without the support of presenting sponsor, accounting firm BDO, which has been a partner of theCayman Open since its inception, Cayman’s hosting of the 2012 World Open would not be possible.

“What I hope happens is that it draws interest from those on island not familiar with the sport, curiosity from visitors to the island at the time of the event and of course global media coverage”, Glen Trenouth, BDO Managing Partner stated. “BDO is honoured to be a part of this momentous event”.

The iconic venue offers inspiration to the juniors and the professionals. The glass court and set up at Camana Bay remains the most memorable aspect of the tour. “Camana Bay is committed to helping build Cayman’s reputation as a sports tourism destination, by providing a world-class venue for local and international sports groups and events,” said Jackie Doak, Chief Operating Officer for Dart Realty. “That we are able to host such an event is a testament to Cayman’s desirability as a sporting destination within the Caribbean. It’s also a great opportunity for Cayman to build relationships within the international sports scene, which in turn creates new and exciting opportunities for the future.”

Tournament Director Dan Kneipp, Starfish Sports, was full of praise for the sponsors and volunteers that have made this event possible.

"We started this journey in 2007, with the hope of bringing the World Championships to the Cayman Islands. There have been so many companies, individuals and volunteers that have put their time, energy, sponsorship and support into this great tournament over the past five years. We're grateful to everyone that has helped make this tournament possible. We aim to make the 2012 World Open the best World Championships ever. We know there will be an unprecedented level of visitor arrivals associated with this tournament, and we're excited that the overwhelming international coverage will highlight the beauty and friendliness of the Cayman Islands to
the rest of the world. "