Inuvik (Dec 01/06) - December will be a big month for the Inuvik Family Centre, starting with their first open squash tournament that began Wednesday.

Family centre supervisor Bobby Despres has been busy working with his crew of employees planning events for the holiday season.

Family centre supervisor Bobby Despres has been busy with new staff and upcoming programs for the community. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The squash tournament will continue with round-robin games being played until Saturday afternoon, when the semi-finals begin.

"There are 24 people registered to play, which is a good sign," said Despres.

"A lot of the regular players signed up, along with some newer faces trying out as well."

The week-long event has picked up some hefty sponsors, who have donated the prizes for winners in each division.

E. Gruben's Transport has donated two round-trip tickets to Edmonton for the first place winner in the Men's A division.

The Town of Inuvik has also stepped up by donating 50,000 aeroplan miles to the top female player.

Despres said this is the second attempt the family centre has taken at hosting a squash tournament.

"We tried in June, but there weren't enough players in town at the time," said Despres.

Along with the squash tournament comes opportunities for families to use the centre.

"Shell donated $5,000 for public swimming usage," said Despres.

And next weekend, Santa makes an advance appearance at the family centre.

Mr. Claus will be at the centre on Dec. 8, swimming with families.

A wide variety of games will be held in and around the pool area to celebrate Santa's visit.

For those who aren't keen on swimming and would rather spend their time pumping iron or running on the treadmills, Despres said a special offer is in place for the fitness centre as well.

"We will be offering special 20 per cent-off gift certificates for memberships," said Despres.

As an added bonus for those early birds out there, Despres said that Town of Inuvik hand towels will be given out to the first 50 people who sign up for membership.

Unfortunately, the planned water volleyball tournament last weekend did not pan out, due to low turnout.

"We ended up playing a large game pitting the pool staff against a team of public players," said Despres.

Despres said that the centre is not discouraged from the lack of turnout and hopes that more people will take advantage of December's programming.