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.
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 any 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.”
To check out some of the great pictures from the events coast-to-coast-to-coast, visit Squash Canada's social media accounts:
Twitter: @squashcanada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squashcanada
Instagram: squashcanada
#TrySquash
#SquashDayCanada
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About Squash Canada
Founded in 1913, Squash Canada is a non-profit, national sport governing body responsible for the development of athletes, coaches and officials and sets the standards for Canadian squash. Squash Canada is a proud member of the Pan-American and World Squash Federations and participates in the Pan-American Championships, Commonwealth & Pan-Am Games as well as World Championships at the junior and senior level. Each year Squash Canada hosts nine national championships across the country and works with its provincial and territorial partners to promote the growth and development of squash across the country. For more information please visit www.squash.ca.
About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to help Canadians sit less and move more. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life. For more information, please visit www.participaction.com
For more information:
Britany Gordon
Programs Manager, Squash Canada
(613) 228-7724 x202
britany.gordon@squash.ca
