What better way to invest in the future of this great sport than to give our youth access to it? We need your help to do this. Squash, introduced at the school level, can be the first step on the path to high performance or simply spark a life-long love for the game that recreational players carry well into adulthood.
Squash Ontario supports school squash at the elementary and secondary levels with its Equipment Loaner Program and commitment to the Annual Jim Mason Cup High School Teams Tournament. For years, Squash Ontario has been putting racquets into the hands of kids through its equipment loaner program, then supporting teachers with curriculum guidelines and access to professional in-school instruction. We transform the school’s gymnasium into squash courts if access to a local club is not possible.
The Jim Mason Cup is roaring back to full post-Covid life in 2023 – this time with OFSAA Invitational sanctioning! Teams from high schools around the province are gearing up to compete for titles in 3 divisions. There is a division for everyone, from beginners to high performance players. This season’s event will take place at Mayfair Lakeshore in Toronto, April 21 and 22.
With this being the first year with OFSAA sanctioning, maximizing participation from all 18 provincial regions at this year’s Jim Mason Cup is critical to Squash Ontario’s drive to have squash achieve full status as an OFSAA sport. Your support helps defray costs for travel, equipment, facility fees, training and regional tournaments – ultimately making squash more accessible for all.
Funding is needed to sustain both these critical pathways.
Growing the number of students playing squash at the school level builds momentum and capacity for club and university level squash. And that keeps our clubs viable and vibrant. Many of the players in the Jesters University League honed their skills by participating in the Jim Mason Cup in high school.
“For our students, this was the highlight of their year. Everyone loved the energy of the co-ed environment and the chance to meet students from other schools. It is a fantastic opportunity to push their limits and be challenged while also having fun. As I was going through the photos from the tournament, I couldn't help but notice all the smiles. Thank you” - Yoon Kang, Teacher, Branksome Hall
“The event is crucial to the development of our sport. The students had a great time playing on a team (Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute) with their friends. Many new kids became engaged in Squash and will take up the sport with their local club.” - Matt Easingwood, Squash Director, the Club at White Oaks
As someone who shares a passion for squash, we would appreciate your support to help us achieve our goal of becoming a fully sanctioned OFSAA sport and growing our school squash programming by getting racquets into the hands of elementary and high students across the province.
The initiatives supported by your donations include the following:
1. Setting up squash programming in schools by supplying equipment, certified coaching, curriculum
2. Assisting with court rental fees so students can try squash on a court, instead of the gymnasium
3. Training teachers to coach the students and add squash to their regular Phys-ed curriculum
4. Organizing regional level events as a warmup to our Provincial event
5. Provide funding opportunities and alleviating travel expenses for schools who want to attend the Jim Mason Cup
Squash Ontario operates two donation funds (projects) through the National Sports Trust Fund - Ontario, a recognized charitable organization and tax receipt program. All donations to the Lee Hanebury Junior Squash Fund (project #59) will receive a tax receipt.
To find out more on how to DONATE please visit our website Donate — Squash Ontario or reach out to us if you have any other questions.
Jim Mason Cup 2023 event details can be found HERE
