Squash Yukon is organizing a Christmas squash tournament.
The competition runs from Dec. 15 to 16 in Whitehorse with matches from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 16.
Squash Yukon coach Gyanendra Singh said the club hosts a tournament every month, but explained the Christmas one is special.
“The event is just a normal tournament, but the only difference is basically the food drive,” he said. “I mean, it’s Christmas season, and we want to make sure everybody is having good food, especially those who are in need.”
Interested participants can sign up at Better Bodies squash courts in Marwell. A total of 34 people have signed up to take part so far.
Singh told the News there are six divisions, and players will be divided based on skill level. He noted that all levels of play are welcome.
To register, participants must bring food items worth between $40 and $60, equivalent to the standard registration fee for the competition. The food items will be donated to the Whitehorse Food Bank.
“Instead of charging money for registration for this month’s tournament, we are asking for food donations,” he said. “We are asking people to donate whatever food they want, somewhere close to $40 to $60 per person, and we’re going to donate that to the food bank.”
After each tournament, Singh said Squash Yukon donates 50 per cent of money from registration to charity. During the start of the season in September, he said registration fees were donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“We always try to help our local communities. So that’s why we’re trying to help, trying to make a big impact on someone’s life,” he said.
He noted that Yukoners are “very kind and very welcoming, and they like to see everyone celebrating Christmas in a nice way. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re participating in the tournament or not. Just come forward, donate some food so none of the plates go empty this Christmas.”
Contact Patrick Egwu at patrick.egwu@yukon-news.com
