The Squash BC Service Awards recognize the unwavering commitment of volunteers who have devoted their time and effort to promote, organize, and champion squash within the community. These awards also acknowledge player athletes who embody exemplary sportsmanship while showcasing exceptional athletic abilities. Here is a summary of the deserving recipients of the awards for the 2023-24 Squash BC season:
PRESIDENT’S PLATE
The President’s Plate is awarded to the best supporter of our game and our Association. The trophy has recent history, having been donated by then-President of the B.C.S.R.A., John Cartmel, in 1978.
2024 Recipient: Dave Fenn
Dave Fenn exemplifies the essence of the “Great Supporter” award through his unwavering dedication and meaningful contributions to the squash community. Dave is incredibly supportive of Squash BC events and is always willing and ready to lend a helping hand. As owner of R&B Brewing, Dave has generously supported many of Squash BC’s tournaments at the provincial level, including the 2023 & 2024 BC Open. He is an avid supporter of Evergreen and currently plays there and also co-captains at Terminal City Club. Dave’s contributions exemplify the values of this award: generosity, leadership, and an unwavering love for the game.
KEVIN KYDD JUNIOR SERVICE AWARD
The Kevin Kydd Award is awarded to the individual or group of individuals who has/have unselfishly inspired, coached and/or mentored Junior squash players. This award was donated and started by Paul King and his family.
2024 Recipient: Tomos Edwards
Tomos has been hugely influential in driving the junior movement in Kelowna BC at Global Fitness and has dedicated his evenings to coaching youth in Kelowna. Tomos has been very active the past few years and has demonstrated leadership and initiative since there isn’t a dedicated squash coach to do this. Tomos brought back tournament play to Summerland this season, organizing The Summerland Squash Tournament. He continues to contribute to squash in many ways; he organizes Women Squash Week events, he is involved at the Okanagan League Board and is always there to pull up his sleeves to provide support to the tournament director of PSA events to make them successful.
Given the limited squash infrastructure in Kelowna, there is limited flexibility to introduce youth to the sport so it is even more admirable that he can provide grassroots programs to youth and adults in Kelowna learn the sport.
MASSY GOOLDEN AWARD
The Massy Goolden Award, named after dedicated squash enthusiast Captain Massy Goolden, is designated to honour junior players for their athletic achievements at national, provincial and/or international events along with their true embodiment of sportsmanship.
2024 Recipient: The Junior Girls Canadian National Team – Spring Ma, Ocean Ma, Maria Min & Hermione Cao
The Junior Girls Canadian National Team, Spring Ma, Ocean Ma, Maria Min & Hermione Cao have shown exceptional dedication, teamwork, and outstanding achievement in squash. Much like Captain Massey Goolden’s pivotal role in shaping squash in Vancouver, these young athletes have carried forward the legacy of passion and commitment to the sport. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, paired with their success on the World Stage (3rd at world juniors), echoes the spirit of leadership and dedication that Captain Goolden embodied.
As a team, they not only represent the future of Canadian squash but also exemplify the qualities of perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship, making them deserving of an award that honors both individual and collective contributions to the game.
ERNIE ROGERS BOWL
The Ernie Rogers Bowl is awarded for the best record in national and international competition. Named after Ernest Rogers, The Rogers Trophy was established in appreciation of the contribution to squash made by both Ernest and Irene Rogers, of the Rogers Sugar family.
2024 Recipient: Nicole Bunyan
Nicole Bunyan’s remarkable achievements this year exemplify the essence of the Rogers Trophy, which honors individuals for their exceptional performances on the national and international squash stage. Nicole’s trailblazing career has set new benchmarks for squash in British Columbia. Nicole’s career-high PSA world ranking of #39 and her current position as world #48 are unparalleled achievements in the history of BC squash. These milestones reflect her relentless dedication, unmatched skill, and unwavering determination. This August, Nicole claimed Gold at the PanAm Championships in Lima, Peru, in a five-game triumph against a fellow Canadian.