Waimea Squash Club has successfully hosted the South Island Junior Age Group Championships, welcoming a national-level tournament to the club for the first time in many years.
The event attracted 70 entries from across the South Island, with a visiting group from Waikato also making the trip to compete. The championships showcased some of New Zealand's top young squash players and created a strong atmosphere both on and off the court.
Waimea Squash Club's Abigail van Niekerk won the Under 11 Girls title, while Holly van Niekerk was runner-up in the same division. Nelson Squash Club's Seb Reeves also impressed, finishing third in the Under 15 Boys grade.
The tournament was made possible through the support of local businesses. Waimea Squash Club thanked naming sponsor W.K. Strawbridge, along with Nayland Scaffolding, New Zealand Packaging, Oaklands Milk, O2B Healthy, Bays Bees, Fruzio, and Pak'nSave Richmond for their support.
Club members also played a key role in the event's success, volunteering countless hours during the weekend. Volunteers helped with the kitchen and bar, live streaming, refereeing, scoring, set-up and pack-down, ensuring the tournament ran smoothly and providing a welcoming experience for visiting players and families.
A highlight of the championships came on Saturday evening when the club hosted about 100 players, families, volunteers and supporters for dinner before they settled in to watch the All Blacks. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, guests enjoyed a hearty meal, with plenty of food left over.
Tournament organisers say they were delighted with the positive feedback from competitors and visitors, many of whom praised the club's hospitality and organisation.
The successful event highlighted the strength of squash in the Top of the South and demonstrated what can be achieved through the combined efforts of volunteers, sponsors and the wider squash community.
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