In addition to being the biggest squash tournament in the region, next week’s Northwestern Ontario Squash Open also serves an important purpose.
The event, which runs from Nov. 24 to 26 at the Canada Games Complex, doubles as a fundraiser for the Thunder Bay Squash Association’s junior program.
“It’s run by a volunteer staff and as you can imagine, the costs to go to tournaments in Southern Ontario or elsewhere throughout Canada can add up very quickly,” said association president Joe Petch, who also serves as tournament chair.
“For our players who are looking to be competitive and compete on those big stages, the funds that we get from the tournament are a great help to offset the costs for travel, accommodations, entrance fees and equipment for the next generation of squash players.”
Petch says the program – which features players as young as five years of age – has good numbers, but the association wants to expand that, especially since squash will be part of the Summer Olympics in 2028.
“That’s going to be a huge boost for us,” said Petch. “I know our kids are excited to see that happen in Los Angeles, and the prospect of being on that stage someday is something I know a lot of them view as more of a reality now.
“The group of kids that we have here are great to work with and they tend to pick up on things a lot faster than we do as adults.”
The Northwestern Ontario Squash Open has been around for over three decades. In addition to featuring players from Thunder Bay, competitors from Winnipeg, Kenora, Fort Frances and Minneapolis typically take part in the tournament.
“It’s definitely the time of the year where everything starts to pick up for us, and a lot of people were feeling the itch to get back out on the court, especially with the renovation closure at the complex and no squash taking place for a four-month period,” Petch said. “Since everything opened back up in October, the courts have been busy and our leagues are back up and running.
“It is a little bit different this year with the Ontario Winter Games coming to town, but this is the flagship tournament for us and in Northwestern Ontario. We have a lot of competitors and it’s a great weekend for everybody.”
The tournament is divided into four main divisions on the men’s side and also features two junior divisions and a women’s division.
The draw is still being finalized, but the opening matchups are slated for late afternoon on Friday, Nov. 25, with games running all day Saturday and Sunday.
Registration for the event, which closes on Nov. 19, is $75 for adults and $55 for juniors.
More information on the Northwestern Ontario Squash Open can be found on the Thunder Bay Squash Association website.