Over 120 players, both male and female, and in U-13 and U-17 categories have registered to participate in the 4th edition of the Ex-Pro Squash tournament currently ongoing at the Squash Courts of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The players are from 12 states of the federation and various Clubs and Academies.
The competition, according to the Organizers, is expected to end on Saturday April 30th, 2022.
The tournament was introduced and being supported by Ex-Squash Professional Players in the country and in the Diaspora, as a way of giving back to the society, and to discover and nurture future squash players.
Speaking to sports writers at a press briefing heralding the tournament, the Chairman of the Ex- Professional Squash Players Association, Mrs Laurel Morounmubo Ojo commended the Kwara state government for providing a conducive atmosphere for sports development, noting that his administration has no doubt changed the narrative in terms of support for sports promotion from the grassroots.
Mrs Laurel, who was elated to have seen kids as young as six, seven and eight years old respectively, registered for the tournament said this is the first time the tournament is witnessing over 120 children participating, explaining that scarcity of funds and Covid-19 pandemic halted last year’s edition.
She maintained that plans are underway to introduce U-10 category, to give kids who falls within the age bracket opportunity, pointing out that the tournament is being fixed for long holidays to have enough time.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, commended the organisers for reviving the game of squash through the tournament, stressing that the competition was also aimed at encouraging unity and togetherness among the children who are from different backgrounds.
He praised the present administration for investing in sports development through the upgrading of sporting facilities, noting that the renovation of Squash Courts, Swimming Pool and construction of facilities are the manifestation of the Governor’s huge investment in youth and sports development.