The Squash BC Roving Ambassador Program was back in full force this fall, with tours to the North-East, Kootenays, and Squamish. 249 participants took to the squash courts in Ambassador-led squash programs. As well, 11 program leaders were trained at the participating facilities, building infrastructure for future program sustainability at facilities across British Columbia.
Learn more about the Roving Ambassador Program tours from this fall:
“It was especially exciting to hear “nonathletic” students and adults later say how encouraged they were by Shawn and the program. This program has been a great kickstart to squash play in our facility.”
– Wes Keim, RVRC
North East Tour
Roving Ambassador Coordinator Shawn Zwierzchowski traveled to the North East region in September, visiting facilities in Burns Lake, MacKenzie, McBride, Prince George, and Smithers. The trip had a wide range of program offerings including introductory school programming, intro lessons, and volunteer leader training.
“Shawn’s visit to Burns Lake was very valuable for our staff. In a small northern town, there are few opportunities for in-person staff training and development without having to travel a few hours away. He spent focused time working with our staff to develop skills on the court and offered support and strategies for squash development that will benefit the community moving forward.”
– Lewis Jones, Director of Recreation Services, Village of Burns Lake
This year’s Northeast trip saw record numbers for a Roving Ambassador visit to the region with 146 participants attending programming, far exceeding last year’s 106 participants. The program has led to Squash BC Facility membership growth in the region over the past few seasons, with two of the facilities becoming Squash BC Members for the first time!
Kootenays Tour
Roving Ambassadors Rebecca Vasilikakas and Holly Ludlow had the opportunity to make visits to the Kootenays region of Nakusp and Trail, with plans to visit Cranbrook in late November. During their visit to Nakusp, they had the opportunity to introduce 30 students from the local school to the sport of squash. We are excited to see Rebecca and Holly expand the reach of the Roving Ambassador Program in the interior over the winter and spring.
Squamish
In October, Shawn travelled to the Squamish Squash Club to help facilitate training with 2 female coordinators and coaches to help promote future programming at the facility. During the two-day visit, a total of 61 participants took part in the Roving Ambassador programming, Squash BC is excited to see these participants in future programming and growth in the region. An outstanding 48% of event participants were female during this tour visit!
Looking Forward
Squash BC thanks Shawn, Holly, and Rebecca for their incredible work putting this impactful program into action this fall. As well, we are truly grateful to our Building The Future Fund donors for providing the funding to help make our Growth Initiative a reality. Looking forward, we have more Roving Ambassador Programming planned to launch this January, with a focus on localized Ambassador Tours in the Kootenays, Okanagan, Northern Island, and more.
Interested in a Roving Ambassador Visiting Your Facility?
Facilities or clubs interested in participating or learning more about the Roving Ambassador Program should check out the Roving Ambassador Program webpage or contact shawn@squashbc.com.
About the Roving Ambassador Program
The Squash BC Roving Ambassador Program is a flagship piece of our Growth Initiative. Through this program, we send experienced coaches to smaller or under-developed squash communities and facilities to promote the sport, build capacity, and mentor local coaches, volunteers, and leaders. The donors of our Building The Future Fund generously fund this program, allowing us to grow and develop grassroots squash participation throughout British Columbia.