All set for big Heroes Squash Event

The Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) will celebrate Heroes Day by hosting the 2023 Zimbabwe Open Championship in Bulawayo.

The flagship national squash event is set to run from this Friday to Sunday.

Matches will be staged at Suburbs Squash Club and Old Miltonians.

The finest squash players from all over Zimbabwe are expected to grace the event.

Zambians led by Ray Simbule have been regulars.

As the dates draw closer for the commencement of the championship, the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) has given SRAZ the nod to continue with the hosting of the games, outlining requirements that should be met.

“The SRC hereby gives you notice, following your application, that the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation has approved and granted a special waiver for your application for clearance to host Zimbabwe Open Squash Championships 2023 from 11 to 13 August in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

“The activities shall, in addition to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the safe conduct of sport, be subject to the following conditions:

“1. Organising committee officials, participants, officials and spectators are all to adhere to applicable health, travel, International Federation regulations and protocols and the SRC regulations, 2; Association to submit a schedule of key events before and during the event for SRC’s ease of monitoring and 3; The association to produce a hosting report and submit to SRC,” read part of the letter from SRC acting director-general, Sebastian Garikai.

Player registration is set to take place tomorrow at Suburbs Squash Club before the tournament gets underway on Friday.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sports Economy Partnership between SRAZ and the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) will be signed on Friday morning.

The Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube will sign on behalf of the council while the SRAZ will be represented by its chairman, Lucky Mlilo.

Dignitaries set to attend the official launch include the Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube and the Mayor of Bulawayo Councillor Solomon Mguni.

Matches are scheduled to start at 10.30am. —@brandon_malvin