Troy Shantz
It’s hard to talk squash in Sarnia-Lambton without mentioning Simon Warder.
He was a skilled player, a junior coach and one of the country’s top referees. He was also one of the original founders of the Huron Oaks Squash Club.
Warder passed away in 2011 after a battle with prostate cancer, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the game he loved.
To honour his memory, the Simon Warder Memorial Squash tournament was established in 2012. Since then, the tournament has served up high-level competition while raising awareness about and funding for prostate cancer care.
“He studied the rules of the game and over the years became one of the highest qualified squash referees in Canada,” said Brad Fisher, one of the tournament organizers.
“We wanted to honour his contribution to the game both locally and nationally.”
This fall, the tournament is back for a 5th year and has grown to now include two professional squash associations, which will showcase about 70 of the best players from in Ontario and Canada.
Over the years, the tournament has raised over $65,000 for prostate cancer research and the Bluewater Health’s Prostate Cancer Clinic.
“It is a true honour for us to receive funds from this important event celebrating the life of Simon Warder,” said Kathy Alexander, executive director of the Bluewater Health Foundation.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Simon Warder Memorial Pro-Am Squash Tournament to Benefit Local Men’s Health
WHEN: Nov. 14-20
WHERE: Huron Oaks Squash Club
TICKETS: For ticket information, please email Gary Delavigne at [email protected]