Youth squash fundraiser raises $160,000 for MSK Kids

MSquash SONO’s Squash Out Cancer drew more than 170 young athletes to South Norwalk, Conn., on Sept. 26 and raised $160,000 for MSK Kids. The bi-annual event linked youth sports with pediatric cancer research and drew support from top international squash players.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser sent $160,000 to MSK Kids, the pediatric cancer program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. - The money supports pediatric cancer research, including work tied to CAR-T cells for immunotherapy. - The event turned a youth sports competition into direct support for children and young adults facing cancer.

What happened: - MSquash SONO hosted Squash Out Cancer on Sept. 26, 2026, at the MSquash SONO Campus in South Norwalk, Conn. - More than 170 young athletes took part in the bi-annual fundraiser. - The event was led by founders Katline Cauwels and Shaun Moxham. - SquashOutCancer is scheduled to return on Sept. 30, 2028.

The details: - Twenty-six teams of six players competed in the event. - Teams represented independent, private and public schools in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. - Private schools included Greenwich Country Day School, Brunswick, Greens Farms Academy, Greenwich Academy, St Luke’s School, Hopkins, Rye Country Day School, Horace Mann and Hackley. - Public schools included Bronxville, Greenwich, Darien and Westport. - Savannah Moxham, the top-ranked U.S. player in the GU19 division, said the event showed how competition can be turned into a shared effort. - Co-founder Katline Cauwels said the event helps make a difference for kids with cancer and highlighted the need for more research funding. - Co-organizer Reine Honts said every point played represented hope for patients.

Between the lines: - The event used squash’s competitive culture to build community support around a medical cause. - The presence of elite players gave the fundraiser broader visibility and likely helped expand donor interest. - The mix of school teams suggests the event has become a regional youth gathering as much as a charity tournament.

What's next: - Organizers say the next SquashOutCancer event will take place on Sept. 30, 2028. - MSquash Academy says it will continue using high-performance training and community involvement as part of its junior development model. - Global squash players supported the fundraiser by donating signed Dunlop rackets and accessories, books and free private video lessons for participants.

The bottom line: - A youth squash event in Connecticut turned competition into cancer research funding, while connecting local families, schools and international stars around one cause.

More information: MSquash's Squash Out Cancer page - MSquash on LinkedIn - Squash Out Cancer on Instagram - MSquash on Facebook - MSquash Academy videos on YouTube