AHKAMAYIMO YOUTH SQUASH PROGRAM WIND-UP

The Saskatoon YMCA is home to a multicultural youth squash program.  Ahkamayimo is the Cree word for KEEP GOING.  That is the message that this squash program has promoted.  The program has run from the end of January to the end of March on Tuesdays and Thursdays from4-5pm.  The youth from the ages of 8 to 15 are from many backgrounds and cultures that come to learn and play the sport of squash.  After every practice they have a sharing circle where the guest speakers, mentors, and the students share about their experiences, life skills, and what they loved about the lesson.  The program started out with only 1 youth attending but soon grew to over 12 players.  Squash being as fun as it is leaves many of the players with red faces and huge smiles by the time the program is done for the day.

This Program Wind-Up will have a coaches/mentor workshop, free lunch, a mini tournament and an awards presentation.  Mayor CHARLIE CLARK, who is a squash player himself, will attend from 2 to 3pm to have a game with 14 year old Summer Schofield, Saskatchewan’s #2 ranked Under 19 Girl’s Player.  As well, Charlie will have a rally with each student and mentor prior to the awards presentation which he will be attending.