With the LA2028 announcement in October that squash will be included in the Olympic Games for the first time ever, the entire world of squash players let out a collective breathe - finally!
What now? There is a lot of work to be done by all to make this a home run for the Games so that squash will be included as a permanent sport. For us, that means putting our resources behind our largest growth targets ever. Please read below to learn about what’s expected in the new year!
To make this happen, Squash Ontario is a not-for-profit that relies on the support of community donors and program sponsors. Our donation program - the Lee Hanebury Junior Squash Fund - enables us to provide tax receipts to those who give.
For those who have the means to give, we appreciate your support as we close out the 2023 year. The Ontario squash community is truly one of a kind and we thank everyone who wishes to contribute to growing this amazing game.
Our 2023-2024 Fundraising Goal is $60,000 raised by May 31st, 2024 (currently at $32,170 raised) to support:
1.Sport Growth
Squash Ontario has ambitious goals in its 2023-2027 “Squash for All” strategic plan to introduce squash to more players than ever before, ensuring the sport’s continued growth. By 2027, we will have 30,000 people introduced to the sport through Learn to Play programs, mobile squash courts, Squash Canada’s glass court community events and open house events. We will have wheelchair squash programs up and running and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives underway. We’ve hired a Community Outreach Coordinator to make this happen and we’re ready to make a long lasting impact for our sport.
2. Athlete Development
We are ECSTATIC about the announcement of squash being included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games - the world’s biggest competitive stage. We are not directly involved in the organization of Team Canada for the Games, but we can make an impact by strengthening our High Performance training pathways, competitive opportunities for Team Ontario junior athletes, encourage excellent through awards and scholarships, and ensure we are doing all we can to have Ontario athletes stand on National, Pan-American, and World podiums.
Thank you to those who have generously donated to the Lee Hanebury Junior Squash Fund from the 2022-2024 squash seasons:
PLATINUM FRIENDS ($4,000+)
The Jesters Club of Ontario
Harrow Sports
Simon Chun, YouFirst Financial
GOLD FRIENDS ($2,500+)
Dowling I.D.A (The McCue Family)
Dunlop Sports
The Gemmell Family
Mark Hinchcliffe, Hennessy & Hinchcliffe
The Tejani Family, Mortgage Company of Canada
Jeff Warren, Control the T Sports
SILVER FRIENDS ($1,000+)
The Bolger Family
Gail Crossman
Dynamic Funds
Lorraine Tétreault
BRONZE FRIENDS ($500+)
Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc.
Aly Lakhani
Vincent Taylor
Cathy Tuckwell
FRIENDS LEVEL ($250+)
James Aziz
Charities Aid Foundation Canada
Ira Grossman
Janice Lardner
