The redONE 3rd Selangor Super Junior Circuit 2018 (SSJC) which kicked off on 20 April 2018 saw its highest number of participants since its debut three years ago.
âWe first developed this tournament to reach to players from the second tier and of lesser rankings in Selangor, giving them the opportunity to compete and experience tournament exposure. Given that the players are from the second tier, it also boosts their confidence to be able to contend for positions amongst peers of the same level.â Said Farid Yunus, president of Squash Racquet Association of Selangor (SRAS).
This year the tournament saw a record total of 122 participants from the age categories of under 9 till 13 for both boys and girls. This was an encouraging increase from 108 last year.
âWe are excited with the great turnout as it shows that parents are keen to get their children interested in sports. It is in line with what we believe in creating a healthy competition environment for the children; not just physically but mentally as well.â Added Farid.
This year is also extra special as a special friendly tourney was held at the last day of the competition between our very young players (age 4 -11 yrs) who are just starting off in squash, âTwinkle Little Starsâ and Kumpulan Perangsang Selangorâs Sports for All Programme (for children with special needs).
This is very apt as World Autism Awareness Day 2018 falls on 2nd of April 2018. This Corporate Social Responsibility programme by Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Berhad is an initiative under the Selangor Sports Stimulus (SSS) programme. Children with special needs are part of this program giving them the opportunity to learn to play the game and participate in various squash related activities.
âSports is an international language that cuts through barriers, it does not discriminate and differentiate. The opportunity to introduce squash and inculcate a sports culture to everyone is a privilege that we are proud to be part of. And we are also very honoured to have partners like redONE who have been consistently supporting the development programme of our upcoming stars of the second tierâ concluded Mr A.Sivanesan from KSEA club (sub organisers).