THE Jack’s of Fiji-sponsored Nadi Squash Open Championship at the Nadi Sports and Social Club this weekend is expected to unearth some hidden talents.
The two-day tournament will start tomorrow evening with the finals scheduled to be played on Saturday.
Fiji women’s number one Alison Yee said squash was a minor sport in the country.
She said it was an energetic sport.
“From my perspective, once you start playing squash, then you don’t want to stop,” Alison said.
“Squash is a fast-paced sport and builds agility, balance and good eye coordination. Squash does not only challenge you mentally but physically as well.
“Someone once said that you have to be fit to play squash and not play squash to be fit.”
Alison is the daughter of the late Warren Yee, a former Fiji champion.
Warren who passed away in 2014, represented Fiji in squash over two decades competing at numerous Oceania Championships and Pacific Games winning many medals.
Alison said she had been playing the sport actively for the past seven years.
“My dad was Fiji’s number one and is the only player who has won a gold medal for the country,” she said.
“I would like to thank Jack’s of Fiji for sponsoring this tournament which is the first for the year at the Nadi Sports and Social Club. Being a minor sport, it is hard to reach out to sponsors to come on board because we do not get much recognition.
“But with this Nadi Open now happening, we hope to get more sponsors in the future to hold more tournaments. Our aim is to get new players and develop them so hopefully one day, they can to represent our country.”
The Nadi Open Championship is supporting the Fiji Cancer Society and will hand out $5 from each registration fee paid to the organisation.
