Squash Academy fundraiser a success

WANDERERS Squash Club on Saturday showed what the human spirit is capable of when ordinary people came together to do something that, though it may appear small, can make a difference.

The social ‘squashathon’ was a fundraiser for the Windhoek Squash Academy’s development programme to raise money for junior players who are going on tour to Bloemfontein in South Africa for the SA Schools Country Districts’ Tournament in May. Some of the money will also be used to help send the juniors to Botswana for the All-Africa Games.The organiser of the tournament, John Lingashi, said: “Sending a team down to the All-Africa Games is a sign that squash is moving forward, as the last time we sent a team to the All-Africa Games was more than four years ago”.The social tournament that raised over N$3 500 had over 40 squash players taking part.The players were divided into three groups: beginners, intermediate and professional.The beginners’ section was won by Jan Wijgergangs, who beat Sergio De Sousa in the final to take first position in that division.The plate final of the beginners’ division was won by Jerry Muadinohamba, who beat Le Hugo van Rooyen.The intermediate section was won by Adri Lambert, who beat Morne Pretorius to become the only woman to finish in a top-four position.In the main draw it was a tale of mixed fortunes as Brian Finlay, who started the tournament as one of the lower-ranked players, played some of the best squash of his life to beat tournament favourite Andre De Jager in the final.De Jager got off to a poor start, hitting the tin three times in a row at one time to add to numerous unforced errors.The underdog Finlay capitalised on De Jager’s lack of concentration by playing some cool-headed squash to take a lead of 10-17.De Jager showed why he was the tournament favourite by rallying back to take a 24-21 lead.However, ‘The Ice Man’ Finlay kept his nerve and took the fight to De Jager and ultimately triumphed 33 points to 31.The day ended with a social evening for the players and supporters.Prizes were presented to the winners and others.The organisers thanked Trustco, Itec, Supreme Meats, Avril Payment Solutions, Legal Shield, Tax Society and Iitumba, which all sponsored prizes for the event.Some of the money will also be used to help send the juniors to Botswana for the All-Africa Games.The organiser of the tournament, John Lingashi, said: “Sending a team down to the All-Africa Games is a sign that squash is moving forward, as the last time we sent a team to the All-Africa Games was more than four years ago”.The social tournament that raised over N$3 500 had over 40 squash players taking part.The players were divided into three groups: beginners, intermediate and professional.The beginners’ section was won by Jan Wijgergangs, who beat Sergio De Sousa in the final to take first position in that division.The plate final of the beginners’ division was won by Jerry Muadinohamba, who beat Le Hugo van Rooyen.The intermediate section was won by Adri Lambert, who beat Morne Pretorius to become the only woman to finish in a top-four position.In the main draw it was a tale of mixed fortunes as Brian Finlay, who started the tournament as one of the lower-ranked players, played some of the best squash of his life to beat tournament favourite Andre De Jager in the final.De Jager got off to a poor start, hitting the tin three times in a row at one time to add to numerous unforced errors.The underdog Finlay capitalised on De Jager’s lack of concentration by playing some cool-headed squash to take a lead of 10-17.De Jager showed why he was the tournament favourite by rallying back to take a 24-21 lead.However, ‘The Ice Man’ Finlay kept his nerve and took the fight to De Jager and ultimately triumphed 33 points to 31.The day ended with a social evening for the players and supporters.Prizes were presented to the winners and others.The organisers thanked Trustco, Itec, Supreme Meats, Avril Payment Solutions, Legal Shield, Tax Society and Iitumba, which all sponsored prizes for the event.