Squash BC – Vancouver, BC.      Two British Columbian women have been recognized as Champions of women’s

squash in the province. Elsa Snyder of Vancouver (Bentall Centre Athletic Centre) and Rebecca Vassilakakis of Nelson (Nelson Squash Club) were both named as emerging female leaders in the sport of squash, with each of their clubs being recipients of a $500 grant award from the Squash BC Emerging Female in Squash program.

This program was established in 2018 as a new initiative to attract and retain women and girls in squash. Clubs were encouraged to identify and nominate a female ambassador who is committed to promoting the sport to girls and women at their respective clubs. Eligibility for the grant program was open to the 22 participating clubs in the annual September Women’s Squash Week. Through an online nomination process, participating clubs nominated a female champion who best aligned with program criteria: going over and beyond to promote and identify opportunities to participate as well as encourage overall enjoyment of the sport.

The grants are to be used by the clubs to promote and deliver squash programs for girls and women through the calendar year (2019). “We realized that one way to increase participation was to encourage the clubs to identify a female champion to work with the pros in promoting Women’s Squash Week. The result was tremendous, with a 66% increase in participation in 2018,” said Sue Griffin, Chair Women’s Squash Week.

Over the past 20 years in Canada, female participation in sport in Canada has continued to decline and Squash BC has also been impacted by this downward trend. “Reversing this decline is a major priority for our organization and growth initiatives such as the Emerging Female Leader in Squash and strategic partnerships with organizations such as ProMOTION Plus and Buntain Insurance directly align with our sport association’s mission and strategic direction” said Natasha Doucas, President of Squash BC.

The Emerging Female Leader in Squash program is presented by Squash BC in partnership with ProMOTION PLUS and Buntain Insurance.

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For More Information Contact:

Joanne Veltri @ 778.772.2223 l business.development@squashbc.com

About Squash BC: Squash BC is the official amateur sport governing body for the sport of squash in British Columbia. The nonprofit organization supports the community of squash by providing resources and opportunities for BC wide sport and competition – for all ages.

About ProMOTION PLUS: ProMOTION Plus is British Columbia’s organization for girls and women in physical activity and sport. ProMOTION Plus is only one of three provincial organizations in Canada whose sole focus is dedicated to working with community partners to increase participation and leadership opportunities for girls and women in the sport and recreation delivery system.

About Buntain Insurance: For nearly 50 years, Buntain Insurance has been a family owned and operated full service Insurance Brokerage committed to meeting our clients’ needs.