SSAP To Refurbish Squash Surfaces

Thato Kala | Monday June 30, 2014 06:59

“SSAP is raising funds in the United States to restore courts in Africa,” Awalt explained. He decided on the venture after his African coaches told him about the state of courts in the continent. He has previously been under the tutelage of Zambian Lazarus Chilufya, Robbie Lingashi and Patrick Chifunda. Presently, he is being coached by Walker.

“I am giving to Africa because without Africans, I would not be where I am today. Lazarus Chilufya first taught me what squash is and how to hit the ball. 

I am eternally grateful that he took the time to teach me squash. Some kids have music, art, or acting which makes them stand out and unique, but I have squash. Squash is what defines me in my community and is a passion I will never lose.”

Awalt played against two Botswana players, who will represent the country at the World Junior Squash Championships in Namibia in August. He beat Elliot Sibanda and Mickey Joseph with identical 2-0 scores. He said the playing surface at the Gaborone squash courts is not good. 

“It feels like playing on ice. It is easy to slip and there are so many cracks on the surface that the ball can fly anywhere.”

Walker, who also played four games at the Stadium Squash Club, said the facilities are below par. He said the BSRA is in the process of securing funds to repair the surface and Awalt would raise money for the refurbishment of a court in Francistown.

“There is only one court in Francistown and it is in dire need. The surface is not looking good. We are earmarking that one as one of the courts we want to fix,” he said.

Walker believes refurbishing the surfaces will aide junior squash development in the country.

Awalt has developed a website www.ssap-squash.org which sets out the mission and objectives of his initiative.

The grade nine student at Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland has been playing on the US Squash Junior Tour for about three years. He was among the top 32 Under-15 players in the country last year. 

In the US, he has won the men’s 4.0 Skill-Level National Championship, the 2012-2013 Regional Championships and is presently part of the 2013-2014 Mid-Atlantic Regional squad.