Urban Squash Toronto

My family, friends and supporters,

This is my final blog relating to my Camino Trek and specifically Urban Squash Toronto. As promised, I wanted to give you some history of Urban Squash Toronto, how it came to be, what its' objectives are, and how we are now progressing.

If you haven’t made a donation yet, this is your opportunity!
Click on my image to the right -->

The concept behind Urban Squash, started 18 years ago in Boston. It was started by a friend, Greg Zaff. He was a graduate of Williams College, and a former Canadian Open Squash champion.

Greg decided he wanted to give back rather than going to Wall Street and he began an organization called Squash Busters. Greg wanted to help children in difficult environments improve their education, life skills, and use the sport of Squash as a vehicle.

Since that day, 18 years ago, he has raised over $12 million, put over 1000 children through his program, and has now developed 15 similar programs throughout the United States, and now Canada.

His graduates, and the graduates of all the programs, have accomplished the following:

-   Supported 500 students starting in grade 6/7 through college graduation

-   Raised approximately $75M since 1996

-   Urban Squash "students" have attained a 94% acceptance rate on their College applications

Urban Squash Toronto (UST), was founded in 2009, by a group of Toronto Squash enthusiasts. I am the Chairman and we put together a Board of Directors who are passionate about children and the game of squash. This includes, former World Number 1 and Canadian squash legend, Jonathon Power.

The mission of the program is the same as that started in Boston as above, to help children with their education and life skills, while using the game of squash as a vehicle to help. It is a registered Canadian Charity.

UST's first full year of operation was in 2010. The program is run at the NSA (National Squash Academy) in Downsview, and its students come from schools in the Jane/Finch corridor, one of the most challenging neighborhoods in Toronto. UST students start at grade 6, and are supported by the program until they finish high school.

We have worked closely with former World #1 Jonathon Power and top Canadian junior coach Jamie Nicholls at the NSA, to help provide UST students with the best facilities and coaching resources in the country.

I would like to thank Harrow Sports for donating uniforms and squash equipment as well as Oxford Learning for their supply of academic materials.

Our objective was the same as the objective started by Greg in Boston - to help children in underserved communities pursue the post-secondary pathways of their choice through squash coaching, academic tutoring and direct mentoring.  Our students enter the program in grade 6, and we continue working with them until they have graduated high school, and beyond.

Over the last three years, we have developed our program to include over 50 children in grades 6-8 whom we work with three times a week on squash, academics and fitness/well being.  We have community service days, field trips and tournaments that the students participate in.

As you know, my Camino Trek was dedicated to raising funds for Urban Squash Toronto and I am pleased to say that with your help, we exceeded my original goal of $100,000 by reaching $110,000. Thank you again for your contributions.

Our Executive Director is Shivani Ruparell and she has done an excellent job raising awareness of UST, working with the students and most recently securing an Ontario Trillium Foundation award to help us grow the program.

Please see a recent article and video from the Toronto Star that interviewed Shivani and explains the importance of the programs focus – it’s not only about the sport but also about academic tutoring, fitness mentoring and emotional support.

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2013/10/14/urban_squash_toronto_mentors_janefinch_youth_well_beyond_the_court.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&app=noRedirect

The article also explains the importance of our “army” of volunteers and I encourage any of you reading this who have an interest in helping to contact Shivani at Shivani@urbansquashtoronto.org and please visit the UST website http://urbansquashtoronto.org/ for more information.

I was recently interviewed by the CBC Metro Morning Show regarding UST and a recent grant awarded to us by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Please click here to hear the interview:
http://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/episodes/2013/11/26/squash-and-academics/

Thank you again for your donations, interest and ongoing support of Urban Squash Toronto.

Clive

What is the Camino de Santiago?

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I have now been back in Toronto for over a week and what a time it has been. Your support, congratulations and best wishes have been overwhelming.

It has been an unbelievable welcome home and I thank you all so much.

I promised you 2 more blog posts, and this is the first. The second will be a final update on Urban Squash Toronto.

Many of you have asked - What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino is often referred to as “The Way of St James”. James was one of Christ’s disciples and after Christ died, James went to Finisterre, Spain to preach to the pagan population. Apparently, his preaching met with limited success and he returned to Jerusalem where he was beheaded by King Herod in 42AD. Following his martyrdom, his disciples brought his body back to Finisterre and eventually to Santiago, Spain.

St James Remains - below the altar in the Santiago Cathedral

The story remerges in 813 when a Shepherd was brought to the area by a bright light or star. As a result, a bishop seized the moment and confirmed the discovery of St. James in a tomb. As a result, St. James became the patron saint of Spain, a position that he holds to this day.

The first written record of a pilgrimage to Santiago was when bishop Gotescalco journeyed there in 950 and in 1072 Alphonso the 6^th abolished tolls for all pilgrims travelling to Santiago.

The section that I did, which is the most popular, is referred to as the French Way from St. Jean Pied de Port, however, there are many routes across Europe which you will see in the map below.

The many Camino routes across Spain and Europe

In medieval times, over 250,000 pilgrims went on pilgrimage to Santiago. The promise was that if they arrived safely, they would go to heaven and have all of their sins forgiven. You might now notice a heavenly glow around my presence as you might imagine, my sins have now been forgiven – I know that is a bit of a stretch, but I am going with it anyway!!

In the early 80’s the Camino had fallen to a few thousand pilgrims but a Priest and the state of Spain decided to rebuild the pilgrimage. This year there will be over 200,000 pilgrims making the journey and it appears to be a growing number.

The movie, The Way which was the instigation for my doing this journey, has had a significant impact on the growing popularity of the Camino. As well as I mentioned during my communications, I was surprised how few made this journey with religious motives.

Santiago Cathedral

However, there is a daily mass at 12noon in the Santiago Cathedral that almost all who complete the Camino attend, regardless of religion.

Most pilgrims use a book by John Brierley which you will see below. His book spells out how to do the journey on a step by step basis and in fact promotes a 33 stage effort to complete the Camino.

A Pilgrims Guide to the Camino de Santiago

I hope this answers any questions you may have about the origins of the Camino de Santiago. 

If you have not had the opportunity to donate to Urban Squash Toronto in relation to my Camino trek, please do so by clicking on the picture of me at the top right hand side of the this blog under the barometer.

Look forward to my update on Urban Squash next week. That will be the end of my blogs on the Camino de Santiago.

Clive

Final destination - Finisterre

My family, friends and supporters,

On Monday, I arrived in Santiago, attended the Pilgrims' mass and completed the Camino de Santiago. Or as often referred to, The Way of St James. As mentioned in my previous blog, I had one more job to do to complete my task.

  

Clive on the roof of the Santiago Cathedral

I had to get to Finisterre which in medieval times, was considered the end of the world. On Thursday, I completed that objective. I was hoping for an easy end to this adventure but unfortunately I was mistaken.

On the last two days, I completed 35 km, over eight hours, and 31 km over seven hours. At 62, I can assure you, it was no picnic!!!

Thursday night, I went to the lighthouse in Finisterre, to see the sun down, on a beautiful night in Spain.

Sunset in Finisterre

As usual, I ran into many people, who I had met and become friends with over my Camino experience. A new friend, Jerry, joined me on that final walk. 

I can't think of a better way, to have finished this adventure than with the view you see photographed above.

I returned to Santiago this morning by bus, prior to returning to Toronto on Sunday for a Thanksgiving dinner celebration with family.

Clive

Camino de Santiago Complete!

My family, friends and supporters,

Today, Monday October 7th  I completed my Camino de Santiago. I still have to go to Finisterre and the end of the world, but this was such a special day and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Yesterday I walked 32 km, so that I would only be 8 km from Santiago. As a result, I left in darkness at 7:45 am, and arrived in Santiago at 9:30 am.

Even during that time on the road, realizing this was the conclusion of my walk across northern Spain on the Camino, I felt a lot of emotions.

Every day at 12 noon, there is a Pilgrims Mass, at the main Cathedral of Santiago. I headed immediately to the Cathedral.

The Santiago Cathedral

I saw so many friends and individuals that I had met during my Camino experience. We all congratulated each other on our successful Camino, hugged and kissed and wished each other well.

Because it was a Monday, I thought it might have been a small gathering, but I was mistaken. The cathedral was overflowing.

The mass was done in Spanish, so I did not understand a word that was said but it did not matter. The emotions and good feelings were overflowing.

The Altar at the Santiago Cathedral

There was one section during the mass, when six priests spoke to the congregation in their native tongue. The English priest, asked us to remember the support and good feelings that we exhibited during the Camino and asked us to continue those feelings, as we headed back to our day-to-day lives.

I am not a Catholic, however when they gave out the sacrament, I went to the altar and received a blessing from the priest. I was thrilled I did.

My only regret, was I ran into a Toronto based, Israeli, who I had walked with a few days before and he reached out to me just as I was to go to the altar. I wish I had insisted that he join me for a blessing.

I'm sure he would have come, such were the feelings of the day and the wonderful sense of humanity that existed not only today, but throughout the Camino experience.

I feel so proud and humbled, by this Camino experience. And the support that you have all shown me, both financially and emotionally, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I still have more to communicate to you, including The history of the Camino de Santiago, as well as Urban Squash, Toronto. So you are not finished with me yet.

But I wanted to share this very special day with you.

With much love and thanks,

Buen Camino

Clive

$100,000 goal surpassed!

My family, friends, supporters and soon to be supporters,

WOW, congratulations to all of you for helping me reach my $100K goal BEFORE completing the end of my trek. If you have not had the opportunity to donate, please don't let this stop you - UST is an incredible cause and overachieving would be a good thing!

Let me add a little incentive, to those of you who have already donated. When I return from the Camino, I am going to send a DVD of The Way, the movie with Martin Sheen, that inspired me to tackle the Camino, to anyone who has donated $500 or more. As you know, that is an extremely generous offer, considering how expensive DVDs are today! So, if you're so inclined, please consider increasing your donation up to that level, and you will get your very own copy.

Camino Trail Marker

On October 2nd, it had been 26 days on the Camino de Santiago, I am getting very close to the finish. I am now less than 150 km from Santiago. Once I get to Santiago, I am going to go the further distance to Finistere , as I originally promised.

My body continues to hold up remarkably well. I continue to have minor issues with a small blister, but it has not been a serious problem.

About 10 days ago, I thought it was possible that I may not be able to finish my Camino. I developed a serious pain, in my right shin, above the ankle. I went to a local hospital, it was diagnosed as tendinitis, I received some medication, took a day off, and got on my way.

It has remained a unique, lifetime experience.

Beautiful sunset leaving Orbigo

The places I have visited and the people I have met have been remarkable.

Church in Fromista  - circa 1066

City Hall in the beautiful chocolate capital - Astoga

I enjoyed the town of Leon, both the Cathedral in the main square, and the Parador hotel, where Martin Sheen stayed in the movie. Incredible.

Cathedral in the main square of Leon

Parador Hotel - Martin Sheen stays in this hotel in the movie "The Way"

The Camino this fall has been extremely busy and I started having troubles getting somewhere to stay. A friend, and Cambridge Member, Gerry, referred me to an individual, who helps people on the Camino. He was remarkable and helped me get accommodation all the way to the finish, in Santiago.

I have met so many people, but perhaps the most unique and special, were Peter, Jean, Patrick and Catherine from Great Britain.

My new Camino friends

Separately, they have done parts of the Camino, a number of times over the years. But this year, they are doing the entire Camino, and they are not spring chickens.

They are being met by a friend, a priest, and a minister, 100 km from Santiago who are joining them walking into the finish.  And in Santiago, they are being met by their family members, children and grandchildren, welcoming them as they finish this historic adventure/pilgrimage.

It has been wonderful to have gotten to know them over the last 10 days.

The Iron Cross in unfavourable weather conditions

Although I thought being in the homestretch, it was going to be quite easy and simple from here. But unfortunately, that is not the case.

Two days ago and yesterday, I had to do 30 plus km each day. Yesterday, the last 8 km was straight up hill. And today, which was a simple 21 km, was in the worst rain, wind and fog of the entire Camino. But I survived to endure another day.

Such an experience this Camino de Santiago. So many people, so many stories, such an endurance effort.

Before I return, I am going to give you a brief history of the Camino, and what it is. I am also going to give you a brief history of Urban Squash, and what has been accomplished over the years.

  

It’s been tough on the Camino and I am certainly pushing my physical limits but I am committed to finish strong. Please help me surpass my fundraising goal just as strongly by donating to UST if you have not done so already.

Many thanks,

Clive

Clive's Camino - 375km update

My family, friends, supporters and soon to be supporters,

Today (Friday Sept. 20th), I completed my 15th day on the Camino and I have now trekked 375 km.

Drinking Pilgrims Wine

So far, at age 62, my health continues to hold up. I finally got my first blister, but it was quite minor under my baby toe. Although managing my blood sugars is always a challenge, I have not had any serious problems to date.

I suspect that my weight has dropped, even though I am doing my best to eat as much food as possible. And although each day is always a physical challenge, my recovery continues to improve daily.

The Camino continues to be a unique and wonderful experience. There is such a remarkable community that one gets to know during your daily walks, and in particular at the end of each day.

Dinner at a Farm House with new friends from the Camino

The long shadows of an early morning departure.

Mornings are always best. Generally, I'm out by 7:30 AM, just before the sunrise. It is cool, but one does not need a sweater.

Touch wood, the weather has been remarkable. For me, only one day of rain and the rest, brilliant sunshine. Sometimes a little hot during the day, but not too hot.

The Camino is remarkably well marked with either a shell or a yellow arrow or both. You walk either on cinder, rock, dirt paths, and often asphalt. 

It is a long and winding road through northern Spain.

We are generally moving through small towns, with populations of 50 to 250 and the occasional larger cities of 150,000 to 200,000. In terms of sightseeing, it is all about the churches and historic towns, steeped in rich history.

Burgos Cathedral

Main altar in Burgos Cathedral

I have met so many special people, many I am sure I will continue to stay in touch with, after my Camino has finished. And so many stories.

So many reasons for people being on the Camino. Although this is a Christian pilgrimage, not as many religious people, as I would have expected. A lot of hikers, who have always had this hike on their bucket list.

New friends at a former Monastery in Carrion de Los Condes

Families, couples and friends who just thought it would be nice to bond on the Camino.

It is also much busier than I anticipated. I haven't had difficulty with accommodation yet but I suspect it is going to become more difficult as I near Santiago.

I have been surprised how many people that I have spoken to who have also been influenced by the movie The Way. I am sure it has had a significant impact on the growing number of pilgrims.

Windmills dotting the landscape of Northern Spain

I believe we are now approaching my goal of $100,000 for Urban Squash. I cannot thank you all enough for your generosity and support. For those of you who have not yet given, I would ask you to help us break through that number, in a big way.

In future updates, I am going to give you the background of Urban Squash, how the concept got started, its history, and what we are doing in Toronto.

I am also going to give you greater background, on the Camino de Santiago. It's history both recent and in ancient times.

Again many thanks for your support and interest. As we say out here - Buen Camino.

Clive

Clive's Camino - the first 5 days...

My Family, friends, supporters and soon to be supporters,

I have now completed my fifth day on the Camino. I wanted to give you a brief update of my progress.

I arrived in Bilbao, Spain. My purpose was to see Frank Gehrey's Guggenheim Museum, which was opened 16 years ago to international acclaim.
 

Thrilled I did it. 

An unbelievable building. 

On Thursday I took a 5hr bus and train trip to St. Jean Pied de Port, the start of the Camino. I moved my start day up and prepared to leave the next morning.

The start of the Camino is considered the most difficult test. It is a 25 km trek, from France over the Pyrenees into Spain. And to be quite frank, it was incredibly challenging. It took me 7 1/2 hours and I climbed over 4500 vertical feet. And of course, I am carrying a 20 pound knap sack on my back.

The Pyrannes

I arrived in a small town called Roncesvalles and had my first real evening of Camino community. Everyone had just completed the same challenge, everyone was delighted to get settled, and have a beer and get to know one another.

And there are people from all over the globe. Scandinavia, United States, France, Canada, Israel, Spain and today for the first time in my life, I met a couple from Greenland.

A pattern then began to emerge. I would get up early, have a good breakfast and begin my day's journey on the Camino. Many are out by 6 AM or 6:30 AM, but it is still dark at that time. I tend to start at 7:30 AM, when there is light.

Roncasvilles to Larrasoana

I stop at least once or twice during the day's walk, to rest, have something to drink or eat and take my shoes off to rest my feet.
 
Please enjoy some pictures that I have taken along the way, showing you some of the sites of northern Spain on the Camino.

Alto del Perdon
790 metres
Wrought iron representation

I arrive at my destination, which is generally 25 km a day by mid afternoon. I get my accommodation set up, change my clothes, do a washing, and go somewhere to have a beer.

Leaving Pamplona early morning

I am writing this, from a small town in Spain called Estella. After writing to you about my first week, I will join some others from the Camino and have dinner this evening in the Estella's Central Square.
 
And then up at dawn and off tomorrow on the next leg of the Camino. I have trekked 115kms with much ahead.

Again, I wish to thank those of you who have given your support, for Urban Squash, something that is really making a difference in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.

For those who haven't yet, may I please continue to encourage you to support this initiative. I would be most appreciative. It is a great cause.

That's all for now. I promised to keep this short and sweet.
 
I will continue to keep you updated with my progress. Not only on this wonderful adventure, but also with our fundraising results, and some more information about Urban Squash.

My best to you all,

Clive