Hello from Halifax!

My Experience at the Canada Winter Games
By Marcia Filgiano, Squash, Team Quebec

A week ago today I flew into Halifax with Team Quebec feeling slightly nervous, a little tired, but most of all excited. Many people had told me that the Canada Winter Games are a one-of-a-kind, exhilarating experience and, after a week, I can truly say that the Games have met and surpassed my expectations.

As a squash player, very few people know or understand my sport: after the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night, I felt like my performance was important in the Games and I truly felt like one of Canada’s top athletes.

Although competing every day becomes very tiring, the cafeteria is always open to us whether it is for “grazing” food, a salad, or a hardy hot meal. In addition, the warm and welcoming groups of volunteers are always around and they help organize many activities such as ice cream socials, movie nights, dances, concerts, and much more.

My favourite part of the CWG so far has been meeting all the athletes and artists from around Canada. I have met many players competing in various sports and I have created bonds that I believe I will never forget. It is a phenomenal experience and traveling as a team, cheering on every player, and wearing the Quebec colours have truly made me proud to be Canadian and to participate in the Canada Winter Games.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games webpage for more information!

Squash Leaders Partner to Produce Champions

Recently, the national governing body for the sport of squash, Squash Canada, announced an agreement with the National Squash Academy (NSA) to create Squash Canada’s National Centre of Excellence.  The union provides a much needed central training base for Canadian National Team members, who will now train under the guidance of Squash Canada’s new Performance Director, Jamie Hickox, one of the most recognizable squash professionals in the world.  Also providing world class coaching at the Academy are Canadians Jonathon Power (former world-ranked #1) and Gary Waite (former world-ranked #12 singles, and #1 hardball doubles player) who were responsible, along with Jaime Nicholls, for building the facility that opened in 2010.

Located in Downsview, Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the NSA’s 10-court squash facility has programs for all levels aiming to not only build a broader base of squash players in Canada, but to produce world class players. It includes eight glass back international courts, and an all glass exhibition court with the world’s first all-glass North American doubles court being installed in early 2012.  With over 10,000 square foot of squash stadium, seating for 1500+ people, and an in-house filming studio for streaming and television broadcasts, the NSA is fit to serve as one of North America’s premier event spaces.

Fully aligned with Long Term Athlete Development(LTAD) objectives, the NSA will provide necessary elements for competing athletes to excel, including:

• Access to world class coaching
• Dedicated court time for athletes in training
• World class training and fitness facilities
• Therapy and rehabilitation services

Open to the public with membership, the NSA will also provide a junior academy for all ages and levels, and community and school programs.

For more information on high performance sport and LTAD, please visit SIRC.

Photo 1: Samantha Cornett (Ottawa), Credits: Darren Adam / Squash Canada
Photo 2: Miranda Ranieri (Waterloo), Credits: Darren Adam / Squash Canada