Dave Paul
A successful local sports tournament is looking to establish an even higher ‘pro’-file this fall.
A key sponsor of The Simon Warder Memorial Squash Tournament has decided to put up prize money of $5,000 (U.S.) for each of the winners in the men's and women's pro division, said organizing committee member Brad Fisher.
That sponsor, Brant Jacklin of Alliance Fabricating Ltd., has also arranged to have area companies sponsor individual events in the men's and women's pro divisions, and men's and women's amateur divisions.
Last year, the Warder tournament raised a remarkable $46,500, and over its four-year history about $75,000 for the Bluewater Health Prostate Cancer Clinic.
Sponsorship is the main source of fundraising though money also comes from admission fees, donations and door prizes.
The 2015 amateur side drew a lot of out-of-towners, Fisher said.
“We had a couple of competitors from Calgary … and from all over southern Ontario – Kitchener, Waterloo, London, Windsor, Toronto.”
This year, the weeklong tournament is expected to attract Professional Squash Association athletes.
The event’s growth is a great thing for local squash, said Fisher, who has played for more than 30 years and runs the Huron Oaks squash club.
More young people have begun taking up the sport and the city has a thriving league consisting of eight teams, with eight players on each roster.
The Simon Warder Memorial Pro-Am Squash Tournament, which is named for the club’s former co-manager, will be held Nov. 14-20, primarily at Huron Oaks, with some matches staged at the Sarnia Riding Club.
Visit the club's website at hosquashclub.com for more info.