Tough Day in North American Squash as Toronto's National Squash Academy Shuts Its Doors Posted February 8, 2016
Statement from the National Squash Academy's Facebook Page:
Dear Friends and Family of the Squash Community,
It
is with a heavy heart that we report the sad news that the National
Squash Academy will close its doors on Sunday February 7th at 5pm.
After
exhausting all possibilities to stay open at Downsview Park, we simply
cannot viably continue operating here and unfortunately, our only
option is now to close our doors. For Gary, Jonathon, Karen, Greg,
Asmita, Simon Kay, Raz and I who have been together from the very start
of this project, our hearts are absolutely broken that we could not
fulfill our vision here at this location.
There are so many
people to thank and so many people that have supported us
unconditionally over the course of this project and we are forever
grateful for their generosity and for their belief in us. The vision,
however, lives on and will rise again and those who have supported us
here will always be recognized and appreciated for the roles they
played.
Many lessons have been learned, the most
overwhelming one being that the squash community in North America is
among the most passionate, enthusiastic, generous, and committed group
of people on the planet. It is truly a family and one that has proven
it will look after its own and one that has and will continue to
achieve great things for our sport.
In true NSA fashion, we
will be going ahead with the 2016 Ontario Open this coming weekend and
go out in style. We encourage everyone to come out and share some
laughs and stories with friends and family as we say good-bye to a very
special place.
Members and other patrons will have until 5pm
on Sunday to remove their belongings and we will take anything you are
unable to remove out of the facility and store it off-site for pick-up
at a convenient time. We are endeavoring to facilitate alternate
programme arrangements for displaced members and juniors. Anyone with
questions can contact Jamie or Gary next week at
jamie@nationalsquashacademy.com and gary@nationalsquashacademy.com
The
Urban Squash Toronto program which is such a critical and integral part
of the NSA, remains hopeful that they will be able to continue to
operate at Downsview Park for some time.
Our hearts are
warmed and comforted by the gratitude we feel for everyone who has been
a part of the journey. The commitment to the sport lives on and we look
forward to having you all be a part of the next chapter.... please stay
tuned.
