Canada has been quiet on the world squash rankings for a number of years, and local player Grant Convey dreams of a new champion rising from the NWT.
- Stewart Burnett/黑料吃瓜网 photo
At one point, the country had a much larger presence in the international squash scene, but it has fallen off in recent years, said Convey.
鈥淚f we can produce the next champion out of the NWT, that would be fantastic,鈥� he said after a three-day tournament wrapped up last weekend.
Part of his hope to do so includes penetrating the youth market and seeing if he can get squash into a high school gym program in Inuvik.
鈥淲e still struggle with squash being on the radar locally in Inuvik,鈥� said Convey.
Sixteen players took part in last weekend鈥檚 tournament, which was a decent number but the Inuvik Squash Club hopes for more. The transient nature of Inuvik means the club is always fluctuating, depending on if any squash enthusiasts come to or leave town.
Rather than rely on so many newcomers, Convey would like to see more youth get involved and grow with the sport.
鈥淟ocally, hockey still rules the roost, and swimming鈥檚 a big draw for the kids in town,鈥� he admitted.
Players divided into three categories based on skill for last weekend鈥檚 tournament.
Taylor Giffin won the top category, Pool A.
鈥淗e coaches badminton, so he鈥檚 very skilled at racquet sports,鈥� said Convey. 鈥淗e had a great tournament this time and beat a couple players he鈥檚 never beat before, so he鈥檚 showing a lot of improvement.鈥�
Four or five tournaments are planned for the rest of the squash season, which lasts from now until May 2018.
Another one is coming up shortly on the Oct. 20 weekend. Organizers hope to get more people out for that event.
For Natasha Kulikowski, last weekend鈥檚 tournament was another tick on her ParticipACTION 150 list, which challenges Canadians to engage in 150 activities.
鈥淚 think I鈥檝e completed 40 of 150 or something, and squash is of course one of those,鈥� said the chronic athlete.
With enough interest, the club hopes to start up league nights again and provide learning opportunities for beginners.
Anyone interested in the sport is encouraged to contact the Inuvik Squash Club page on Facebook.
