The Jesters of Ontario continue to be a leading supporter of squash in our province as the organization has once again committed significant resources for the 2017-18 season to Squash Ontario. This year you will see the Jesters supporting several important programs including funding and growing the Jesters University League, our Junior Grand Prix, Silver and Gold circuits and the second season of the successful Jesters Junior Travelling Fund.
The Jesters University League continues to be one of the most important programs in Ontario for squash as it will give the opportunity for over 200 University students a chance to continue their careers playing alongside their academic endeavours. The league has doubled in size since it's inception under League Convenor Alex Carter and will welcome Ottawa University, York University and Laurier and Guelph Women's Teams as new full time members this coming season. On the junior side, the Jesters continue to be a driving force behind a 28% increase over 5 years in participation across the province by providing exceptional tournament value and additional tournament support. On top of their circuit sponsorship, in 2016-17 the Jesters launched their Junior Travelling Fund which gave over 60 new juniors the chance to travel for their first time to squash events across the province, in particular impacting South Western Ontario, Ottawa and the Sudbury regions. This program will return and be expanded for 2017-18.
As we head into our most active season yet, Squash Ontario thanks the Jesters of Ontario for their ongoing support of squash in our province and look forward to working in conjunction to continue to grow our sport.