Saturday, August 10, marked National Pickleball Day 2024 in Canada. The second Saturday of August each year is designated National Pickleball Day, an opportunity for the pickleball community to celebrate the sport that brings us together, also serving as an excellent recruitment opportunity for clubs across the country.
This year many communities across the country came together to celebrate the incredible sport of pickleball.
A few highlights of the stories received include:
- Vernon, British Columbia – The Vernon Pickleball Association was with the Downtown Vernon Association to host a Pickleball Day falling on National Pickleball Day August 10th. A portion of downtown Vernon’s main street was completely closed down to accommodate four pickleball courts and a street party. Three courts were used for a ‘Queen/King of the Court’ style tournament, and one court was used as a demonstration court for people interested in pickleball. There was a DJ playing music, a few food trucks, Tourism Vernon & Pickleball Depot were on site, as well as tables and chairs for people to relax & enjoy the festive pickleball street party. All in all, it was a success and a great way to celebrate National Pickleball Day!
- Newmarket, Ontario – The Newmarket Pickleball Club was established and opened in May 2023. On August 10 of 2024 they suddenly had 560 members of which 170 people came to their annual barbecue on August 10th to celebrate National Pickleball Day. The Newmarket Pickleball Club had four Canadian Professional Pickleball players put on a pros match for all the club members to see. Harvey’s also attended the event and provided a complementary barbeque for all of their members.
- Medicine Hat, Alberta – The Medicine Hat Pickleball Club hosted an Under the Lights Play at their club. They started the evening singing O Canada to honour National Pickleball Day. Play was sportsmanlike but competitive! Everyone brought a shareable snack and a beverage of choice for after the play was done and they had a great 70s and 80s music playlist to make it even more fun.
- Invermere, British Columbia – Invermere Pickleball Club celebrated National Pickleball Day on Saturday, August 10th, with a great morning of pickleball followed by a potluck lunch. Fantastic turnout including players from other clubs in the area and visitors to the town. There were prizes awarded to the best dressed in Canadian clothes to celebrate the wrap up of the Olympics. Fun was had by all!!
- Campbell River, British Columbia – The Campbell River Pickleball Association planned a full day of activities to celebrate National Pickleball Day. In the morning club members began the day with specific pickleball warm-up exercises led by a highly skilled kinesiologist form the city. Club players were then divided into two teams and participated in a Mega Team Rally Tournament. Rally scoring was kept after each round played. After every two rounds, Teams White and Red had to then complete fun challenges for additional points. This was the highlight of the morning with lots of laughs and friendly competition. Players shared food and the organizers drew participation prizes generously donated by various sponsors from the community. In the afternoon, drop-in ‘Learn-to-Play’ session for non-club members was organized and hosted by the Campbell River Pickleball Association. Participants were introduced to the game and its rules, practiced various skills and drills at different stations. This was followed by some game time with some of the clubs’ volunteers. Overall, it was a great day for all!
- Alma, Quebec – The Alma Pickleball Club was very proud to participate in National Pickleball Day for the third consecutive year. The team at Alma Pickleball Club initiated around 20 new recruits during the event. They are more than happy to be added to the club’s current 350 members.
Make sure to mark the date for Saturday, August 9th, 2025, on your calendars for National Pickleball Day 2025!
If you have any additional stories you would like to share regarding National Pickleball Day 2024 make sure to share them with info@pickleballcanada.org.