CAMANA BAY WELCOMES WOMEN’S WORLD OPEN SQUASH TOURNAMENT

By Lindsey Turnbull on 10th December, 2012

Event to bring more than 88 players from around the world to Grand Cayman

CAMANA BAY, Cayman Islands (December 10, 2012): Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd. is pleased to welcome the 2012 Cayman Islands Women’s World Open Squash tournament to Camana Bay on Grand Cayman in December. The World Open is the largest tournament on the pro tour of the Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA), and more than 88 of the world’s top female squash players will compete for the title of World Open Champion.

This is the first time the Cayman Islands will host the Women’s World Open. Qualifying rounds will take place Dec. 13 – 15 at the South Sound Squash Club, and the main draw events, held Dec. 17 – 21, will take place on an all-glass court on Camana Bay’s brand new event location, The Festival Green.

“The Festival Green at Camana Bay is an ideal setting for the Women’s World Open,” said Ken Hydes, Vice President Place Management & Experiences at Camana Bay. “The new venue allows for a larger stadium and increased capacity for spectators to enjoy free viewing, while the glass court will offer unparalleled 360-degree views for the audience to see every play, as well as stunning sights of Camana Bay’s Harbour and Town Centre.”

While the island has a long history of producing top squash players — like Marlene West, who will play in the tournament — this is the first time the Cayman Islands will host the highly coveted international event. Dan Kneipp of Starfish Sports founded the Cayman Squash Open, a non-profit event, in 2007 with the goal of bringing the World Open to Grand Cayman. The inaugural Cayman Open took place in 2009 at the South Sound Squash Club, relocating to The Crescent at Camana Bay the following year.

“Over the past three years, we have seen the Cayman Open go from strength to strength – through the caliber of players it attracts and the international spotlight it has placed on the Cayman Islands as a result,” said Hydes. “Camana Bay has been a proud sponsor of the event since 2009 and we are honoured to be both a sponsor and venue for the 2012 Women’s World Open.”

All profits from the 2012 Women’s World Open will benefit the Cayman Islands National Squash Associations’ (CINSA) grassroots junior squash program. Since 2009, the event has allowed CINSA to hire a national coach for the first time, and greatly expand their junior program.

The Cayman Islands is home to a number of squash clubs, leagues and tournaments, including the South Sound Squash Club, TeleCayman Squash Business League and CINSA.

Camana Bay hosts a variety of sporting events in the Town Centre and at the Camana Bay Sports Complex, which offer both indoor and outdoor facilities. The local community, national sports teams and the Cayman International School use the facilities on a regular basis.

For more information, visit the World Open Squash website at www.worldopensquash.com.

ABOUT CAMANA BAY

A destination within a destination, Camana Bay is a vibrant new town located in the heart of Grand Cayman. Situated on 500 acres between Seven Mile Beach and the North Sound, this mixed-use master planned community is one of the first examples of New Urbanism in the Caribbean. Developed by Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd. in collaboration with an award-winning team of visionaries, including Duany Plater Zyberk (Seaside and Rosemary Beach, Fla.), Moore Ruble Yudell and Olin Partnership, Camana Bay offers a unique mix of thoughtfully designed residential, commercial and public spaces, world-class shopping and dining, plus family friendly entertainment, events and attractions. Boasting a bustling 600,000 square foot business and financial center, Camana Bay is also quickly becoming the preferred destination for local and international businesses alike.

For more information on Camana Bay visit CamanaBay.com, like Camana Bay Fan Page on Facebook or follow Camana Bay on Twitter.