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INUVIK
There's no doubt about the appeal of a sport that lets you smash things around, according to Spider Jones.

Shaomek Bernhardt gets in a little squash time Mar. 28 at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

The head of NWT Squash was in town March 28 to hold a clinic at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. The event was both to promote squash as a sport and perhaps to uncover a hidden talent or two.

His appearance was put on in partnership with the Inuvik Youth Centre. All of the youth who attended the clinic were associated with the centre.

"We're on court giving them some fundamentals on how the game is played, how it's played safely, so they get a sense of what it's all about and how to enjoy the sport on a squash court," said Jones.

"It takes desire, determination, dedication and discipline to succeed as you get into the higher levels," Jones continued. "But if you like to run and you like to hit things, like a ball using a racquet, you'll like this. So you can see the appeal."

Eye-hand co-ordination is important as well, he said, but can be learned quickly.

"It's just a matter of focus," he said.

While those are some of the physical elements, Jones said it's important not to overlook the cerebral and strategic component.

"It's like chess at 300 miles an hour," he said. "It's a very strategic game. Typically the person who spends the most time in the centre of the court wins the games."

While Yellowknife is a hotbed for squash in the NWT, Jones said it's surprising how the sport has taken a toehold in other centres as well.

"It's certainly growing here. We have some very strong supporters here, and a strong talent and coaching base here."

There are some very quick, agile athletes in places like Inuvik and Fort Smith. It'd be great to get them better introduced to squash. They can catch up in a hurry."

Jones was accompanied by high-profile player Hani "Dangoria" Ibrahim, who operates out of Inuvik.

"It's kind of an introductory clinic, but having Spider here is a good chance for us."

Like Jones, Ibrahim said there are some very good players here in town. He also praised the facilities at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex for fostering the sport locally. Yellowknife, he said, doesn't have anything to compare.

Lindsay McDougall, a staff member at the youth centre, said "this is really good."

"The kids are really into it," she said, "and hopefully they'll continue to do it."

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