A message from Squash Canada.
From the Aquarena Squash Club in St. John’s, Newfoundland to the Nanaimo Squash Club in Nanaimo, British Columbia and as far north as the Inuvik Squash Club in Inuvik Northwest Territories, people were playing squash on September 30th.
Squash Canada’s inaugural ‘Squash Day in Canada’ kicked off in communities across Canada on September 30th where hundreds of people participated at private, community and university/college based squash centres. The clubs offered a variety of free programming for anyone who would like to try squash for the first time or to get back into the sport.
“We were absolutely delighted that more than 65 of our clubs took part in our first-ever ‘Squash Day in Canada,” said Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director, Squash Canada. “It was such a great way to introduce our sport to so many people, many of whom had never even held a squash racquet before. Our clubs were really fabulous, with creative programming and instructors to help get people started. With the ability to play all year round, and at an age, it’s not only a healthy activity, but a lot of fun too. We’re glad so many Canadians took advantage of this day to learn more about it – and we hope they become new ambassadors for the sport.”
“We were so excited to see the response from our community. It was great to see families here, our MP John Brassard, people that had played in the past, and are thinking about taking it up again,” said Jacob Altenburg, Head Squash Professional, Barrie Athletic Club. “With all the equipment and court time provided, excellent introductory instruction, and having Danielle Latourneau at our club for an exhibition and to give tips to players, it didn’t take long for people to start having fun. It was a great day for our members to meet new people, and talk about the impact playing squash has on everyone’s health. We certainly hope this will become an annual event here.”
Squash Day in Canada for 2017 was an initiative with ParticipACTION to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary by encouraging Canadians to try a new sport and check off another activity on their personal Play List. Squash is #67 on ParticipACTION’s 150 Play List.
Squash Canada hopes to continue the program as an annual initiative. With the success of the first ‘Squash Day in Canada’, Wolfenden says “plans are already underway to do this again next year! And we look forward to more clubs opening their doors to attract even more Canadians to play this great sport.”