A group of Bermuda's fittest sportsmen and women will be sweating it out this weekend to benefit the island's diabetics when the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association (BSRA) hosts the 2008 World Distributors Bermuda Tire Charity Squash Tournament at their courts in Devonshire.

With three men's divisions and two ladies' divisions, competition will be fierce. Heading men's "A" will be top seeded Patrick Foster who, barring any surprises, is slated to meet number two seed, former Bermuda pro, Nick Kyme, in the final.

In Ladies "A" Liz Martin is the top seed, with Denise Kyme as number two. But hot on their heels are two former juniors, Caty Luckhurst (3) and Laura Robinson (4).

BSRA spokesman Roger Sherratt said this week: "The BSRA will be hosting this year's Bank of Bermuda Foundation Junior CASA 2008 (the annual Junior Caribbean Squash Championships) in July and this provides one of the last opportunities for the island's juniors to compete at the highest level as they challenge for places in the Bermuda Junior Squad."

One player taking full advantage of this opportunity is 15-year-old Micah Franklin who is seeded number three in Men's "A".

"Franklin has been improving in leaps and bounds, so much so that he has been seeded ahead of several former senior national squad players," said Sherratt.

Franklin will be competing in the Under 17 in July so he will relish this weekend's competition.

Other juniors participating will include Korin Knights and Tucker Franks in Men's "B", while in the Men's "C" David Franks is the top seed, D'Vario Thompson is number two and they will be joined by Beckett Simmons, Ben Brammet, Tobin Voth, and Laird Simmons.

Sherratt said: "Perhaps the biggest challenge for any junior will be faced by 11-year-old Emma Keane."

Keane is another rapidly improving youngster who is said to be too strong for the Ladies "B" Division. She is slated to clash with top seed Liz Martin in the first round of Ladies "A", while 13-year-old Alex Marshall will also compete in Ladies "A".

Eugene Bothello of World Distributors said: "We're excited to be back in partnership with the BSRA for such a good cause. This is one of the most popular tournaments on the squash calendar and promises to be a great weekend for both competitors and spectators."

Action gets underway at the Devonshire courts at 5 p.m. tonight and continues from 9 a.m.¿5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with all finals taking place from 12 noon on Sunday. Admission is free, and spectators are welcome.

Beneficiaries of the charity tournament and a raffle will be the Bermuda Diabetes Association.