March 16, 2011-
The Cayman Islands National Squash Association (CINSA) is proud to
announce 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 won her three
Cayman Open titles. David is the six time World Champion from Malaysia
and remains undefeated on Cayman soil.
“In Amsterdam at the moment in the cold and only
wishing I was in the Caymans right now for the press conference to take
in the sun rays!
"Also, it's just fantastic that the Cayman Islands will be hosting the World Open in December this year.
"This will probably be one of the few World
Championships that us squash girls can boast about being on a Caribbean
island to compete for a World Title.
"We've had such great exposure in the last few years
here during the Cayman Open while being well looked after every time
we're on the island. I'm really excited to be back there in December
and I know a lot of people are coming from all over the world to come
watch the top women compete and enjoy everything the island has to
offer."
Nicol David
6 time world champion, 3 time Cayman champion, world #1
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.
"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."
McKeeva Bush
The Honourable Premier of the Cayman Islands, and Minister of Tourism
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 squash equipment.
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.
"Along with the financial support and equipment
donations, young aspiring athletes will be able to watch the world’s
best squash players in 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.”
Mark Scotland
Honourable Minster of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture
Without the support of presenting sponsor, accounting firm BDO, which
has been a partner of the Cayman 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.”
"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. "