Every year, Squash Ontario celebrates the end of the squash season with both an Annual General Meeting and an Community Awards Ceremony. This year we were joined by several Ontario clubs and community members virtually for the first time ever and were pleasantly surprised at how great it was to see everyone, albeit behind their computers!
Throughout the spring Squash Ontario members were invited to submit nominations for several different awards that would recognize the outstanding contributions of the people who make this sport so incredible.
It is our pleasure to introduce the following award recipients from the 2019-20 squash season below. For those of you who missed the action, grab a bowl of popcorn and watch our 40 minute ceremony at the link below!
Special Achievement Award:
Nicole Garon
This award is given at the Board’s discretion, to a volunteer, player, coach or official who has worked on behalf of the game of squash. Recipients are traditionally those who have made very significant contributions to the game of squash, not only in Ontario but also on a national and international basis. It is Squash Ontario’s highest and most prestigious honour.
Congratulations to Nicole Garon for being this year’s recipient of the 2020 Special Achievement Award. Nicole is recognized for her six years on the Squash Ontario Board of Directors as well as several committees. She has been an excellent ambassador for the sport and will no doubt continue to make waves as she takes on a new role at the Greystone Racquet Club. Thank you for all that you have done for the sport Nicole!
Nicole Garon- recipient of the 2020 Squash Ontario Special Achievement Award
Barbara Cooper Award:
Leah Desbarres
The Barbara Cooper Award will be awarded each year to an individual in Ontario who has over the years built, promoted and enhanced the game of women’s squash. This person exhibits fair play. The individual should demonstrate leadership and achievement in both their competitive and social life. This person is an inspirational role model for others to follow.
Congratulations to Leah for her amazing contributions and achievement! Leah is recognized for her outstanding efforts to support and develop women’s squash from tournament promotion, player development, and volunteering with Squash Ontario’s Gender Equity initiatives.
Leah Desbarres- recipient of the 2020 Barbara Cooper Award
Simon Warder Officiating Achievement Award:
Tony Swift
Honouring a man who left an indelible mark on the game of squash in so many areas, the Simon Warder Officiating Achievement Award was created by friends who recognized Simon’s love of and involvement in the officiating side of squash. In the memory of Simon Warder, this award is given to an Ontario official who has earned the respect of the players and their peers; who seeks opportunities to upgrade their skills; who is committed to mentoring others, and who represents the game and profession of officiating with integrity and fairness.
Congratulations to Tony Swift for his amazing commitment to the sport of squash and this incredible achievement! As the first doubles squash referee to receive this award, Tony is recognized for his decades of squash refereeing, referee assessments, and mentoring and training new referees.
Tony Swift- recipient of the 2020 Simon Warder Officiating Achievement Award
Outstanding Achievement Award:
Lili Gillespie, Pat Richardson, Al Hunt, Clive Porter
The game of squash thrives when there is growth at the local and regional levels. The Outstanding Achievement Awards program was created by the Board of Directors to recognize the contributions made by volunteers, corporations, officials, coaches and players at all levels of the game.
Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award! Al is recognized by the Board of Governors for the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame for his support with helping launch the virtual Hall of Fame. Lili and Pat are recognized for their volunteerism with Urban Squash Toronto and Clive is recognized for his year’s of coaching at the University of Waterloo.
Al Hunt
Lili Gillespie
Pat Richardson
Clive Porter
Congratulations to all the recipients of the awards! Thank you to everyone that attended the ceremony and showed their support!