Message from Squash BC
As we kick off 2021 here at Squash BC, we are approaching the new year with optimism and enthusiasm. While we are still under a number of COVID-19 related restrictions, our staff are hard at work, laying the groundwork for a return to play.
We are working on a number of new programs, including a Roving Squash Ambassador Program, to bring Squash BC coach ambassadors to clubs and facilities who don't have a full time coach to help set the foundation for increased programming, and help the sport grow at those facilities. Further, we look to build on the success of the first Post-Secondary Program which ran in Kelowna through Global and UBCO in the Fall, and offer that programming in other locations around the Province.
On the competition side, we remain focused on being able to bring back league play and inter-club tournaments in a modified way once the restrictions are lifted to allow us to do so. We are committed to a roll-out plan to phase competition back in, ensuring a safe return to squash.
Though we may not currently be on court in our usual fashion, we encourage you to remain connected to your squash community. We are confident that we will return to full squash activity, and can't wait to be back on court with you all.
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Return to Squash (R2S) Updates
On December 28, 2020, viaSport provided clarification to the November 27, 2020 Provincial Health Office (PHO) and its impact to sport. The intent of the order is to limit the social interaction or gatherings that inherently comes from sport, and reduce modes of transmission for COVID-19 during play.
- Group size:
- Singles – maximum of 2 people on court, either 2 players or one player and one coach
- Doubles – maximum of 2 people on court, either 2 players or one player and one coach
- All physical distancing requirements are 3 m while on court unless same private residence
- Focus on skill development and low risk activities
- Travel for sport is limited to and from your club only
- No spectators
- No gathering
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Squash BC's Semi-Annual Meeting |
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Saturday, January 30th via Zoom
10:00-11:15am
Once again this year, Squash BC will be holding a semi-annul meeting open to all members. Please join us and be part of our continued efforts to make participation in Squash BC's meetings more inclusive.
AGENDA
The agenda will include:
Squash BC – A year in review
COVID 19 and Squash BC’s Return to Squash status and go forward plan
Digital Platform update (rankings and membership system)
Possible Membership fee and category changes
General questions and answers
And much more …
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A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants 24 hours prior to the meeting. |
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Squash BC launches revised
High Performance Program
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Squash BC is excited to launch the new High Performance Program for the 2021 calendar year under the leadership of Richard Yendell, Squash BC's High Performance Provincial Coach. In 2019, Squash BC received a grant to review and refine our High Performance Program to better align with Squash Canada High Performance standards, Canada Sport for Life Long-Term Athlete Development Models and meet viaSport's Program of Excellence criteria. The new High Performance Program will replace the former Provincial and Regional Training Squads with a series of three 'Statuses' (Elite Junior, High Performance, Developing) and have added a Senior Elite status.
For the start of the 2021 season, Squash BC made the decision to launch on the Junior Elite and High Performance Status programs due to the current COVID-19 restrictions across the province. The initial athlete selections for the Junior Elite and High Performance Statuses were based on current Canadian rankings and previous performances at specific tournaments.
If you have any questions regarding the current selection of athletes or the new Squash BC High Performance Program, please contact the Squash BC Program Coordinator at [email protected]
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Throwback Thursday -
98/99 Athlete Assistance Recipients
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As we launch this year's High Performance Program, we look back at the 1998/99 BC Athlete Assistance Program which saw these eight talented young squash players selected to receive financial assistance to help them achieve their ongoing goals to represent BC and Canada. |
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Faces of Women & Girls In Squash |
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The Faces of Women & Girls in Squash is dedicated to highlighting the broad spectrum of female squash players in British Columbia, celebrating women and girls from beginner to seasoned players, who play the sport for fitness, competition and fun. We hope that you will feel inspired by their stories and if you have a story of a female role model who inspires you to play squash, please let us know at [email protected].
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Karen Hawyes ~ January 2021
Karen Hawyes has been playing squash for over 35 years and still loves it now just as much she did when she began. Her mother was a squash coach and the manager of a private 12-court squash club in Johannesburg, South Africa. She began playing as a young child and went on to represent her province in various national tournaments for the next several years.
In early 2015, she and her family moved to Terrace, B.C. A couple of years ago, she and her family were part of a small group of local players that converted two unused racquetball courts in an apartment building into squash courts and launched the Terrace Racquets Association. Today, they have around 50 members of all ages, 70% of whom are women.
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Upcoming Webinars and Clinics |
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SQUASH CANADA COACH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES
Squash Canada is pleased to announce more webinars as part of their new "Coach Professional Development Webinar Series". Cost per webinar is $15.25. The webinar series is open to anyone who wishes to attend (players, coaches, officials, etc.)
Webinar: Urban Squash Programming
Date: Wednesday January 27, 2021 - Noon to 1PM EST
Presenter: Brent Adamson, Urban Squash Toronto
Webinar: Coaching Beyond the Game
Date: Tuesday February 9, 2021 - Noon to 1PM EST
Presenter: Glen Mulcahy, Paradigm Sports
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WOMEN LEADING WOMEN: A LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
PacificSport Fraser Valley is offering monthly Lunch & Learns to bring together women in the sport and physical activity sector who are looking to advance their leadership skills, meet other like-minded women, and learn from guest presenters on a range of important topics. Dr. Shaunna Taylor will kick off 2021 by presenting on Managing Mental Health. She will discuss global mental health, being resilient, navigating burnout, and an overall look at getting through tough times.
Date: Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
Time: 12:00-1:00pm PST
Cost: $10
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DISCLAIMER
You have received this email because you are a Squash BC member or you have subscribed to receive news updates from Squash BC. If you have a question, comment or concern, please write to us via email at [email protected].
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