Coming to a court near you, the U.S. Open Squash finals will take place this weekend right here in Chicago. At the first–ever sporting event held in Millennium Park, the nonprofit organization METROsquash and the University of Chicago will team up to build the minds of area students through athletics and academics.

With University support, METROsquash, a youth enrichment program, will host an educational exposition for 2,000 students and their families, designed to teach youth how squash, academics, leadership skills, and community service work together to develop the tools students need to succeed.

The U.S. Open Squash finals, held on an all–glass court at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, will highlight 96 of the top men and women squash players from around the world.

This year’s honorary co–chairs are Mayor Richard Daley and Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., along with Chicago Board of Education Vice President and event chair Clare Muana.The semi–finals begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and the finals are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Tickets may be purchased at: http://www.squashinthepark.com.

“We are very excited about our community partnership with METROsquash for the past five years,” said Sonya Malunda, Associate Vice President for Civic Engagement. “METROsquash has played a significant role in helping to strengthen the lives of young leaders through an integrated program of both sports and academics. We’re delighted to see that young people from our community and schools across the South Side are involved in learning the skills of squash along with receiving tutoring assistance from our University undergraduates. This is a win–win for everyone.”

The University donates use of its squash courts and meeting spaces at the Henry Crown Field House for the afterschool METROsquash program. Throughout the year, UChicago students volunteer several hours per week to tutor children, offer advice on practicing optimal study habits, and provide game tips on the court.

“METROsquash is a wonderful endeavor and we are very proud to be involved with it,” said Tom Weingartner, Associate Professor and Chair of Physical Education & Athletics. “We work hard to reflect the University’s values to be a viable part of a broader community and enjoy being a good neighbor to groups like METROsquash.”

When Precious Rooks joined METROsquash five years ago, she said she never dreamed that she would travel to so many places in the United States to compete. But now Rooks, a 15–year–old sophomore at Gary Comer College Prep, says the program has helped her see the country and think strategically about her college choices ahead.

“I remember when I first joined METROsquash, I could barely hit the ball. It was really hard,” she said. “But now, after meeting so many people from around the country and kids who are serious about playing squash, this has been really positive for me and it’s helped me in school, too.”

Wallace Goode, Director of the University Community Service Center, said the program has proven invaluable for everyone involved.

“Students continue to sign up for volunteer opportunities year after year, so this speaks to the value of the connection that gets them to work so closely with kids who they might not normally interact with,” Goode said. “Students often say, ‘I look forward to this.’”

METROsquash Executive Director David Kay said he credits the University for its commitment to supporting its surrounding communities.

“We are definitely appreciative of the University for helping us propel this program to the next level,” said Kay. “It’s equally important to note that having access to a sound physical infrastructure is key to support this endeavor not only now but for many years to come.”