FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
716 Squash focuses on youth education, character, health
Buffalo Joins Network of 20 Squash + Education Programs
BUFFALO, NY Dec. 11, 2017 –716 Squash, Buffalo’s urban squash and education organization, officially launched today to provide academic and athletic access to youth in the City of Buffalo.
716 Squash is partnering with The Squash + Education Alliance (SEA), the umbrella organization that oversees 19 squash and education programs in the United States. The first urban squash program began in 1996 in Boston, MA. Of students who stay with SEA programs, 96 percent matriculate to college, compared with 24 percent of low-income students nationally.
“The mission of 716 Squash is to empower youth in Buffalo to reach their full potential as students, athletes, and engaged citizens, by providing long-term support and life-changing opportunities through education, mentoring, service, and squash,” said the program’s Executive Director Hope Blinkoff Lynch.
A Buffalo native, Lynch returned home last month after seven years of experience working for Baltimore’s SEA program, SquashWise. At SquashWise, Lynch’s roles included AmeriCorps Squash Coordinator, Director of High School and College Access Programming, and most recently, deputy director.
The program’s first-year plan is to recruit 25 fourth and fifth graders from its main partner school, West Hertel Academy, and provide after-school and summer programming. As the program grows and matures, students will have opportunities to compete against other cities’ SEA programs and attend squash and academic camps at colleges and universities.
Squash is an international racquet sport played in an enclosed court with singles and doubles competition. Known in the United States as mostly a sport played at Northeast colleges and boarding schools, SEA was formed to broaden and diversify the sport’s reach and player population. Squash puts a premium on honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect for your opponent, and fair play.
In SEA programs, squash is used as a conditioning game, but also as a means to teach students to think creatively, play and study hard and compete effectively.
716 Squash formalized a facility partnership with Nardin Academy for year-round access to its courts and classroom space off Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. Volunteer partners have been established at area high schools, including Buffalo Seminary, Nardin Academy, and Nichols School. 716 Squash is also partnering with Buffalo Public Schools Strong Community Schools and Say Yes!
Seed funding is being raised and several foundations have received 716 Squash grant applications. These efforts are being led by a Board of Directors that includes, Richard Lynn, Lynn Associates Inc., Chair;Carey Anderson, J.R. Militello Realty, Vice-Chair; William Pearce, Pearce Ventures, LLC, Treasurer; Carolyn (Bobbie) Dukarm M.D., Carolyn Piver Dukarm M.D., LLC, Secretary; Steve Bell, Eric Mower + Associates; Patricia Nelson Fast; Helen Marlette, Head of School, Buffalo Seminary; Latrese Myers, Let’s Talk; Charles Jacobs, Nixon Peabody; Steve Foley, Paul William Beltz PC; James Wadsworth, Hodgson Russ; Tim Wyant, Squash + Education Alliance.