Category: The Club Family

Club Championship Finals Deliver Excitement & Anniversary Memories!

What a fantastic conclusion to our Club Championships! We witnessed some truly exciting matches across all divisions, showcasing the incredible talent and passion within our club. While we know everyone has their own experience on the court, the energy and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament were outstanding. It’s moments like these that remind us how much we grow, both individually in our game and together as a vibrant squash community. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this year’s championships so memorable!

Let’s give a huge round of applause to our finalists and champions:

  • Women’s B Singles: Winner – Joanie Harper, Runner-up – Maria Beltran
  • Women’s A Singles: Winner – Vanessa Steinwall, Runner-up – Lisa Pratt
  • Men’s D Singles: Winner – Sudhish Nair, Runner-up – Daniel Warren
  • Men’s C Singles: Winner – Andres F Rozco, Runner-up – Shane Morgenstern
  • Men’s B Singles: Winner – Trevor Charbonneau, Runner-up – Jesse Riley
  • Men’s A Singles: Winner – Sameer Vadera, Runner-up – Scott Gormley
  • Mixed Doubles B: Winners – John Kerr & Jim DeLouchry, Runners-up – Shan Ganesh & Garie Youngs
  • Doubles A: Winners – Sameer Vadera & Raj Vadera, Runners-up – Alfredo Portillo & Mark Rowland

Following the thrilling matches, we celebrated our 40th Anniversary with a banquet. John Kerr was awarded the Chris Doona award. Chris Doona was one of the four founding members of the Pickering Squash Club. Chris was taken from us far too soon and as a memorial to his service to the club we created the Chris Doona Memorial Award in 1993.

The Chris Doona Memorial Award is given out each year to the person who most represents the spirit of the Pickering Squash Club. The recipient has contributed their time and efforts unselfishly over many years to help make the Club what it is today.

John has been on the executive committee that helps run the club for several years, manages the membership applications and payments, and can often be seen helping out at the bar at tournaments. John is known for his kindness, quiet dignity and sense of humour and has a mean kill on the doubles courts!

It was a special evening commemorating four decades of squash camaraderie and community spirit within our club. Thank you to everyone who came out to mark this milestone with us!

None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organize both the championships and the anniversary banquet. Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated!

Just a reminder that the regular season for our Doubles House League wraps up this week, with playoffs just around the corner. Stay tuned for another post outlining our plans for singles play throughout the remainder of the spring and summer.

Thank you all for being such a fantastic part of our squash club!

More pictures to come!

Thank you letter from Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

We are pleased to share a special thank you letter from the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, acknowledging the incredible support and generosity shown at our Annual Holiday Toy Drive Fun Night this past December. Your contributions made a meaningful difference in the lives of local families, helping to bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

As members of our squash club community, your involvement in events like these goes beyond just participating—it makes a real impact. We are proud of the positive change we create together, and we want you to know that your actions truly matter. Thank you for being part of something that not only brings us together but also gives back to those who need it most.

“Dear The Pickering Squash Club, 

As the days grow a little longer and we settle into a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the warmth and generosity you shared through the Annual Holiday Hope Campaign.

Because of you, children experienced the excitement of opening heartfelt gifts, families gathered around warm meals, and so many felt the embrace of a compassionate community. Your kindness ensured that no child was left without a moment of joy and no family felt alone.

But the most incredible part? The hope you created didn’t fade with the season – it carries on. The joy, relief, and sense of belonging you helped provide continue to uplift families well into the new year, reminding them that they are not alone.

We are deeply grateful for your support and the meaningful difference you’ve made. Your generosity is a beautiful reflection of what’s possible when we come together as a community.

Wishing you a year filled with joy and connection. We look forward to continuing this important work with you by our side.

With so much thanks and heartfelt appreciation,

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation”

905-433-1551 Ext. 2823  

1320 Airport Blvd, Oshawa, ON L1J 0C6

www.durhamcaf.ca

Make a Difference This Holiday Season – Join Our Annual Toy Drive & Round Robin!

The holiday season is a time of joy, tradition, and togetherness. But for some families in our community, it can also be a time of great vulnerability. Many face the heartbreak of struggling to provide for their children or maintain cherished traditions, making the holidays feel like a challenge instead of a celebration.

That’s why every year, our squash club comes together for something bigger than squash: our Annual Toy Drive & Round Robin. It’s our way of giving back, supporting families in need, and rediscovering the true spirit of the season.

Join us

Here’s how you can join us:

Sign up for singles on the board in the singles court area and for doubles on the board outside the doubles courts.  You can also respond to Nicole and let her know if you would prefer to play doubles or singles and she will add you to the list. 

  • Bring an unwrapped toy and nonperishable food item(s) to donate.
  • Participate in a fun and friendly round-robin tournament.
  • Date: Monday Dec. 9th 
  • Time: 6:00 sharp 

Why This Matters

By giving, we help families feel the warmth of the holidays and create moments of joy for children who might otherwise go without. It’s also an opportunity to counterbalance the season’s consumerism and focus on what truly matters – kindness, connection, and community.

Celebrate Our Club Community

And let’s not forget, this event isn’t just about helping others. It’s also about celebrating and strengthening the bonds that make our squash club so special. It’s a chance to reconnect with fellow members, share some laughs, and celebrate what it means to be part of a team that cares.

The night will include both doubles and singles squash round-robin fun games for all levels of players and all ages (the more the merrier)!  The evening will finish off at Sabina’s restaurant for some drinks and food for those of you who would like to join us!

Join Us and Make a Difference

So, whether you’re here to play, donate, or simply show your support, your presence will make a difference. Together, let’s show the power of our community to bring hope, joy, and generosity to those who need it most.

Looking forward to playing some “fun” squash and helping to put smiles on some children’s faces this holiday season! 

🎉 Congratulations to Carol Reilly: Winner of the 2023/2024 Chris Doona Memorial Award! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Carol Reilly has been awarded the prestigious Chris Doona Memorial Award for the year 2023/2024. This award holds a special place in our hearts as it honors the memory of Chris Doona, one of the four founding members of the Pickering Squash Club. Chris, along with Rosemary Aiken, Rod Ryde, and Vinard Parmar, had a vision in 1985 that has grown into a thriving home for squash players from Pickering and the east GTA for over 32 years. Sadly, Chris was taken from us far too soon, and in 1993, we established the Chris Doona Memorial Award to commemorate his service and dedication to our club.

Carol Reilly being presented with the Chris Doona award from the Pickering Squash Club

The award was presented at the Pickering Squash Club’s 70’s themed annual banguet.

The Chris Doona Memorial Award is presented annually to the individual who best exemplifies the spirit of the Pickering Squash Club. This person has unselfishly contributed their time and efforts over many years to help make the club what it is today. The award is voted on by previous winners and is presented each year at our annual award banquet.

Carol Reilly is a true embodiment of the Pickering Squash Club spirit. As a longtime supporter and former captain of the women’s squash D team for many years, Carol has shown incredible dedication by driving her team to matches, communicating vital information, and fostering a sense of community and care both for the team as individuals and as a whole. Her involvement in doubles squash has brought joy and fun to the court, and she has been an invaluable help with the club’s tournaments.

One member beautifully summed up Carol’s impact, noting that her enthusiasm and welcoming personality generate excitement for the game and encourage both new players and existing singles players to try out doubles. Her warm and friendly demeanor, great sense of humor, and generosity make her a beloved figure in our club.

Please join us in congratulating Carol Reilly on this well-deserved honor!

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Join Us for the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts Naming Ceremony, Saturday, April 27th at noon!

Invitation to the Naming Ceremony of the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Court April 27, 2024 at noon in the doubles courts.

Dear Squash Community,

We cordially invite you to join us for the special naming ceremony of our Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts.

For those who may not have had the privilege of knowing Ian, he was a visionary who understood the importance of doubles squash and its benefits, especially for aging squash players.

Ian Parsons

His “Doubles Vision” project was a testament to his dedication, spanning over ten years of fundraising efforts, with a $250,000 contribution from the Pickering Squash Club to the City, planning, and construction. In 2009, his vision became a reality with the opening of the doubles courts. Ian Parsons was not only a beloved member of our club but also a true leader who left an indelible mark on our squash community.

Today, thanks to Ian’s vision, the doubles courts are bustling with activity and the game is growing. The Pickering Squash Club hosts various tournaments, leagues, OSDL matches, and fun events, including our upcoming Shin-Dig tournaments starting this week. We are all able to enjoy the game and its numerous health benefits because of Ian’s dedication and foresight.

Ian was not only a visionary but also a wonderful, caring, and compassionate individual who is deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Along with Ian’s family, friends, City Council and our members, please join us at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (in the doubles court viewing area) on Sat. April 27th at 12:00 noon for this very special event in naming our very own Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts. 

Your presence would mean a great deal to us as we pay tribute to Ian’s legacy and celebrate his invaluable contributions to our squash community.

Follow the Pickering Squash Club on Instagram and Facebook for more content!

2023 Toy Drive A Great Success

On behalf of the PSC executive team, a sincere thank you for joining us for a fun evening of squash, social and contribution to our toy drive in support of the Children’s Aid Society of Durham Region. A better turn out than expected and significant contributions!

Special thanks to Nicole, Steve Dizig, Sara Jane Cresswell, Jim Delouchry, and others (apologies for others missed) who helped organize this special event. We are very pleased to inform you Steve delivered a very large load of toys, including several hand made and donated by previous member, to the CAS this morning. Rest assured all donated toys will be provided to children in need, under the care of the CAS. There are so many heart breaking stories with children we are helping to brighten their day.

Thank you all again for your kindness and generosity, during such difficult times. A huge thank you as well, passed along from the Children’s Aid Society of Durham Region! 

Best regards, Merry Christmas, happy holidays and prosperous 2024 to all! 

Fred Dizig

President, PSC.

Check out a few pictures from the 2023 Toy Drive Night.

Reminder: Holiday Toy Drive & Fun Squash Night, Monday Dec 18!

Just a reminder that this year’s Holiday toy drive & squash fun night is this Monday, Dec 18, start time 6:15 pm sharp.

Please remember to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to a local charity (Durham Children’s Aid) to help support families in need of buying gifts for their children this holiday season.

For those who have yet to sign-up, sign-up sheets are still posted outside of the singles & doubles courts. You can sign-up for either the singles or doubles round robin. But if you don’t get a chance to sign up – show up anyway!

All levels are welcome to come out and play! We will be meeting in the doubles courts at 6:15 to collect the toys and go over the game rules for both the singles and doubles play for the evening.

If you are unable to attend Monday evening, please drop off an unwrapped toy either Sunday morning between 10am and 12noon in the doubles courts. It means so much to those less fortunate this holiday season!

When the round robins are done, we will be going out for some food, beverage & holiday cheer!

We hope to see everyone there!

Check out the toy drive from last year!

Thank You For the Donation

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you VERY MUCH to all who have donated so generously with food and funds to the St Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank, located on Pickering Parkway, serving the needs of many families across the City of Pickering and Town of Ajax. We are extremely pleased to inform you this past Friday Dec 08 we delivered 2 full large containers (approx 250 pounds) of the various food types, along with over $1,200 in cheques (estimate total $1,500 including direct e-transfers) in funds to the food bank. On behalf of Lindsey Morrill (Food Bank Director), Rick D’Souza and myself (Pickering Squash Club), a sincere THANK YOU for your continued support of our community in need. 

Best of the season, happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and loved ones. 

Kind regards,

Rick D’Souza & Fred Dizig

Pickering Squash Club

Great Party Saturday Night

What a party we had on Saturday night for our 2023 Squash Club Banquet. Everyone was dressed in their Western garb and Hootin’ up and Hollerin’ on the dance floor.

Music was provided by Ron Del and his Blue Thumb Envy Band. Have a look at this video that Ron posted today.
https://www.facebook.com/653836328/videos/231283292923777/

A big thank you goes out to our Banquet Cowgirls who put the event together and did a wonderful job of decorating Drums and Flats for the even.
Thank you Caryn, Carol, Deb, S.J. and Hazel for a job well done.


Congratulations to our two new members of the Chris Doona Award Winners, Steve Dizig and Mark Rohlehr. Well deserved Gentlemen.


Click here for more pictures.