The annual Squash Premier League in Abuja has been described as a vibrant youth development programme that provides opportunities for children to learn social skills that will help them become productive citizens of the country, Sports247 reports.
This clarification was provided by the projec’s founder and coordinator of Beacon of Positivity Foundation (BOPF), Coach T. Connor Tuodolo, who added that the competition was established to take children off the streets, empower them with life skills, while creating opportunities for their future.
Tuodolo stated this while declaring open the second edition of the event at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, where more than 100 youngsters from different squash academies across the country gathered for coaching and officiating clinics ahead of the championship.
He disclosed that the month-long competition, organised by BOPF, will have well-structured contests in senior, under-15, under-19 and doubles categories, with games holding daily until August 30th.
The coordinator further averred that the league, which was inspired by his experience as a squash player, goes beyond producing future stars, as it is also meant to give young Nigerians a positive attitude towards building successful lives in general through sports.
Tuodolo also revealed that the idea is based on his conviction that Nigeria needs a sustainable grassroots platform, where young talents in squash can develop, compete regularly and build confidence, while also incorporating clinics for coaching and officiating, aimed at improving understanding of the game.
However, while the competition has expanded since its inception, from just 26 kids in the maiden edition to more than 105 participants this year, Tuodolo identified inadequate funding as the major challenge confronting the initiative, which has largely been sustained through his personal funds and volunteer efforts.
“We want organisations that believe in youth development to join us in taking children off the streets, empowering them through sports and creating opportunities for them to become productive citizens.
“When we started, we had just 26 athletes. The numbers increased to 45, then 50, then 69, and today we have over 105 participants. That shows there is hope for squash in Nigeria,” Tuodolo posited.
