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INUVIK
The walls are scuffed from endless bounces and the red tape has seen better days, but that doesn't stop the two squash courts at the Midnight Sun Complex in Inuvik from being used often.

Gordie Kasook, front, lunges for the ball during a game against Brandon Johnston at the Midnight Sun Complex. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

World Squash Day was celebrated in those two courts, with 14 players stopping in after work on Friday to swing racquets against each other in the most Northern point to celebrate.

"World Squash Day was earlier in the month but we held ours later to qualify for Get Active funding," said Hani Ibrahim Dangoria, captain of the Inuvik Squash Team and a member of the board of directors for Squash NWT.

Dangoria has been competing in squash tournaments since 2003 and didn't let his 2010 move to Inuvik stop him.

"We have a lot of people coming out to play," he said. "We have all experience levels and it can get pretty busy."

Ibrahim bounced back and forth between the two courts, watching and commenting on each fast-paced game, marking down the winners and keeping track of who was due to play next.

Always looking ahead, Dangoria said he was excited for the coming squash season, with plans to hold a tournament and an upcoming coaching clinic.

"Anyone can come play," he said. "There's always room for more."

Natasha Kulikowski was one of the only female players that joined the tournament, Arlyn Taylara kept her from being the only one.

"We don't play during the summer," said Kulikowski. "There's slo-pitch, and it gets really hot back here."

In preparation for the coming season, the walls are being repainted and the red tape replaced.

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