Category: Uncategorized

LANGLEY, BC- December 7, 2023 – Huer Foods Inc. announced today that it has entered a multi-year partnership with Pickleball Canada to be an official partner.

Huer Foods Inc., the nation’s number one-fastest-growing candy manufacturer best known for its Super Mix®, Candy Cup®, and Pocket Pals® brands announced today that it has signed a two year partnership agreement with Pickleball Canada, the National Sport Organization of the country’s fastest-growing sport. As part of the agreement, Huer promises to aid in sparking joy among players and fans of the sport. 

Under the terms of this partnership, Huer and Pickleball Canada will focus on bringing new players into pickleball by taking a fun and inclusive approach to the game. Expect influencer campaigns, captivating social and digital campaigns, unique Huer Pickleball Club swag, as well as grassroots activations at the Pickleball Canada Regional and National Championships across Canada in 2024.

“It’s impossible not to have a blast playing pickleball,” said Molly Clinton, Head of Marketing at Huer Foods. “We are so excited to partner with Pickleball Canada and bring our shared vision of sparking joy in Canadians to life. Pickleball is the perfect fit for Huer in that it’s inclusive, fun, and growing at an astonishing rate. Canadians are seeking experiences that bring them together, elicit core memories, and spread happiness – nothing does that more than pickleball and candy! We plan to spread happiness with our products and turn moments into memories with Pickleball Canada this year.”

More than 1.37 million Canadians are now playing pickleball at least once per month, with more than half playing four or more times per month. The continued growth in numbers is astoundingly coming from younger adults too, particularly those aged 18 to 34.

“Pickleball Canada is happy to welcome Huer Foods as our latest partner in the candy category,” said Val Vollmin, President of Pickleball Canada. “It is great to see another leading Canadian brand stepping up to support the growth of the game, especially a brand that consumers recognize and desire. We look forward to amplifying Huer’s brand campaign of Happy Starts Here through pickleball.”

Pickleball Canada’s research has shown that Canadians typically play pickleball because it is a fun sport coupled with social, health, and competitive benefits. Now, we can add candy to the mix as another reason to sweeten Pickleball Canada’s member experience.

About Huer Foods Inc.

Founded in British Columbia in 1985, Huer is renowned for its delightfully crafted premium gummy candies that spark joy in the simplest of moments. Huer Foods portfolio consists of popular candy brands like Candy Cup®, Frosty®, Pocket Pals®, Sensible Sweets® and Super Mix®. Huer candy isn’t just any gummy candy, it’s delectably chewy and soft, bursting with flavour, and undoubtedly the freshest-tasting candy in Canada. Here at Huer, we live for the here and now, for the adventure of creation and the thrill of a delightfully crafted confection. For the ability to share and spread happiness, and to spark joy in the simplest of moments. Huer creates the sweetest magic, felt with each and every bite of our premium gummy candy. So go on, take a bite, and feel magic in the moment. For even more magic, please visit www.huerfoods.com or follow us on Instagram @HuerFoods.

About Pickleball Canada

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org

For more information on this partnership, please contact:

Dane Gomez
dane@sponsorshipcanada.com
C: 647-784-4112

OTTAWA, Ontario (November 3, 2023) – Pickleball Canada, the national governing body for pickleball in Canada, has joined with other national federations to introduce and activate the Global Pickleball Federation.

With its responsibility, authority and accountability as the international federation for pickleball, GPF promotes, leads and supports the growth and development of pickleball as a sport for all, for life.  Priorities include gaining recognition by the International Olympic Committee as the unifying global governing body for the sport of pickleball and securing inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics, Paralympics and other major, multi-sport international competitions.

The GPF will ensure its members have access to best practices and other practical resources that enable growth and development within their regions and communities.  For member countries, the GPF will arrange access to equipment, official rules, educational and instructional programs, an active ambassador network, international tournaments, equipment standards and other valuable tools.

“An urgent need existed for a dynamic, effective and respected international governing body that is led by member countries in alignment with their continental federations,” says Javier Regalado, President of the Pickleball Federation of the Americas and GPF Board Member. “The countries committed to the GPF represent approximately 95% of pickleball members in the world.”

“Today’s launch of the Global Pickleball Federation is a huge step forward for pickleball,” says Val Vollmin, President of Pickleball Canada. “Together with our colleagues in countries around the globe, we will create a big, welcoming tent under which we can truly unify and grow pickleball. We now have the opportunity to work in collaboration to promote and advance pickleball as a marvelous, inclusive sport.”

The Asian Pickleball Association, Confederation of African Pickleball, Oceania Pickleball Federation and the Pickleball Federation of the Americas are aligned exclusively with the GPF.  The national governing bodies across these four continents include American Samoa, Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, United States and Venezuela.

The path for GPF membership is application through the respective continental federation to meet their membership requirements.  Upon completion, member applications will be evaluated by both a national federation’s continental federation and the Global Pickleball Federation. An online application for Global Pickleball Federation membership is available at www.globalpickleballfederation.org.  

More information about the GPF can be found on its website here.

About the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF)

The GPF is non-profit corporation established in 2023 and operates in accordance with GPF bylaws.  The GPF is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado – the home to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.  The GPF is guided by a Board of Directors, including a Chair of the Board and elected leaders of each participating continental federation.

For more information, please visit www.globalpickleballfederation.org

About Pickleball Canada

Pickleball Canada is the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance.

The mission of Pickleball Canada is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact please contact info@pickleballcanada.org  or visit pickleballcanada.org/

GPF Media Contact:

Javier Regalado, Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) President and GPF Board Member

 javierre55@gmail.com

 Pickleball Canada Media Contact:

 Dave Harris

 dave.harris@pickleballcanada.org

After an extensive search, Pickleball Canada is pleased to announce the hiring of Barry Petrachenko in the position of Executive Director. 

Barry Petrachenko joins the Pickleball Canada team with a considerable background in local, provincial and national sport sector administration management. Before joining Pickleball Canada, Barry was the Chief Executive Officer for BC Hockey where he oversaw the implementation of multiple programs and the hosting of several world championship events, and prior to that supported the creation of Alliance Hockey (Ontario) as their first Executive Director.  Most recently Barry served as the Executive Director of Softball BC, and has held positions on the Board of Directors of British Columbia Golf and the BC Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Pickleball Canada is very pleased to have someone with Barry’s experience join the Pickleball Canada team! We are looking forward to working with Barry on this game we all love!”, expressed Val Vollmin, President of Pickleball Canada.

After earning a baseball scholarship to LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA where he completed a degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting, Barry played for Baseball Canada’s Senior National team for three years. Barry was also a member of the 1991 Canadian baseball team at the Pan Am Games in Cuba. During this time, he was working as an assistant coach with the Academy of Baseball Canada in Montreal.

An avid mountain biker and recreational hockey and pickleball player, Barry looks forward to working toward the bright future of pickleball in Canada.  Barry resides in Victoria BC with his wife Lisa and their son Garrett.

Welcome to the team Barry!

After an extensive search, Pickleball Canada is pleased to announce the hiring of Gloria Wipf in the position of Sport Manager.

Originally from Lethbridge, Alberta, Gloria has had a passion for sports since she was a child and played volleyball, basketball, ball hockey, and she is currently a ten-pin bowler. 

Gloria’s pickleball experience includes being the President of Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club, the first Canadian pickleball Certified Referee in Canada, a Level 1 Pickleball Certified Coach, a Tournament Director for six Pickleball Canada sanctioned tournaments, and a 4.5+ pickleball player.  “Pickleball Canada is thrilled to announce the addition of Gloria Wipf as our new Sport Manager”, expressed Pickleball Canada President Val Vollmin. “Gloria brings a wealth of pickleball knowledge and experience to this position!”  

Gloria’s professional experience started with earning a Diploma in Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lethbridge Community College, which continued into a long career in law enforcement. 

“I am thrilled to have Gloria join the staff of Pickleball Canada”, said Carla Anderson, Executive Director of Pickleball Canada. “Her extensive pickleball knowledge and experience will be a great asset to PCO at all levels of our sport”.

Welcome to the team Gloria!

In April 2023, Pickleball Canada joined forces with USA Pickleball and La Liga Profesional de Pickleball Mexico to form the Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) in order to promote the growth of pickleball throughout the Western Hemisphere.  Since the launch, the PFA has expanded with six additional countries from South America and Central America, and the Caribbean region joining as members. 

One of the PFA’s goals is to promote international competition, including the organization of continental championships and other major events.  As such, the PFA is thrilled to announce the first ever Americas Championship, which allows Canadians to play in a continental competition. It will be held at the Cabo Sports Complex in Los Cabos, Mexico from November 26 to December 2, 2023. Registration for the tournament is now open and will remain open until November 15th, 2023. 

“International tournaments are an important step in our progress of becoming a unified, recognized sport.  What better place to be than Mexico in November! Come join us!” said Val Vollmin, Pickleball Canada President. 

The competition will include Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Singles. The tournament will also include four different skill levels which are advanced (4.5 & 5.0), intermediate (4.0), beginner (3.5), and social (2.5 & 3.0). 

In addition to the pickleball events, there will be many activities that participants will have the opportunity to enjoy.  These activities include Film Festival Night at the Los Cabos International Film Festival, the “Dinner in Blanc – Dink for a Cause” which is a funding event for Save the Children and Los Cabos Children’s Foundation, a “Dink for a Cause” clinic, which is a fundraiser for the same charity, and Tequila Jose Cuervo Pickleball Party Night. 

Los Cabos is a prime tourist destination located in the most southern point of the Baja Peninsula. It has some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, spas, and amazing views of the Sea of Cortez, which boarders the city. Los Cabos offers a premium tourist experience with plenty activities and adventures. There is always something to discover in Los Cabos.      

“We’re delighted that our continental partners in Mexico, led by Javier Regalado, have stepped onto the court and are hosting the inaugural The Americas Championship” comments Tony Casey, a Global Affairs volunteer with Pickleball Canada.

To register for this event please head to  https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=528b8467-ce50-4526-9c3e-4bb723f376c2 . Registration will remain open until November 15 , 2023. 

For more information, please contact: 

Tournament Organizers 

Mike Hoxie – pickleballisgreat@gmail.com

Eduardo Martinez – Eduardo.martinez@lppm.mx

Vancouver, British Columbia

withinUs™, the fastest growing health and wellness company headquartered in Canada has fittingly partnered with the governing body of the fastest growing sport in Canada: Pickleball Canada. This partnership launched at the 2023 Pickleball Canada National Championship taking place from August 23rd to the 27th in Regina, Saskatchewan. This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the realms of health, wellness, and sports. withinUs and Pickleball Canada are both ambitious and fast-growing, and this partnership is set to empower pickleball athletes and enthusiasts across Canada.

The premium-select catalog of health and wellness products that withinUs offers assists and supports maintaining and promoting an active lifestyle for pickleball athletes and enthusiasts alike. The withinUs™ flagship product TruMarine® Collagen helps promote collagen synthesis, supporting muscle recovery, bone and skin health, and relieves pain associated with osteoarthritis and joint pain, which can be common amongst athletes from all sports, including pickleball players.

A popular product that withinUs offers is the ReHydrate + TruMarine® Collagen. This Health Canada approved electrolyte product will be provided for participating athletes at the National Pickleball Championships. Available in jars, and convenient single serving stick packs, this premium electrolyte sports drink mix is available in four organic flavors – Lemon, Tropical, Peach and Watermelon + Lime. ReHydrate maximizes hydration and combats electrolyte imbalance and dehydration – the perfect pairing for pickelball.

withinUs™ founder, Tami Nasu, expressed her excitement for this collaboration, stating “this is an extremely exciting partnership for us. As enthusiasts of health and wellness, we are thrilled to help inspire Pickleball athletes to reach the height of their health and well-being.” She went on to say, “This collaboration is a crossroads where health meets excellence, and we could not think of a better organization to partner with”.

“We are very excited to partner with a Canadian company such as withinUs who creates products that help with health and wellness”, said Val Vollmin, President of Pickleball Canada. “As pickleball is a true sport for all for life, the withinUs products will help players of all ages and at all levels of play.”

withinUs™ Natural Health and Pickleball Canada’s exciting new collaboration brings together two rapidly expanding organizations with the joint goal of improving health and wellness amongst Canadians. withinUs’™ premium grade health products helped support pickleball players during last week’s National Championship through product samples and withinUs™ is excited to build off this engagement during the 2024 Championships and beyond too.

For further information, please visit withinus.ca and pickleballcanada.org

About withinUs™
withinUs™ is a female-founded, independently-owned, Canadian company based out of Vancouver, B.C. Since 2013, withinUs has provided premium-select and innovative natural health products. withinUs was the first company to offer a premium select-grade marine collagen peptide to the North American market, and is the fastest growing health and wellness company in Canada.

About Pickleball Canada
Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org

Contact:
Jenna Laurita
withinUs
General Manager
jenna@withinus.ca
778-899-5337

Dane Gomez
Sponsorship Canada
Manager, Corporate Partnerships
dane@sponsorshipcanada.com
647-784-4112

On Sunday, August 27, the 11^th Pickleball Canada National Championship, with its first ever title sponsor Myoflex®, officially wrapped.  The tournament was held in Regina, Saskatchewan, and hosted by Pickleball Regina, with over 600 athletes competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Events were further broken down into age-based categories, and skill/age-based categories.

“What a fantastic 5 days of pickleball in Regina! The 2023 Myoflex® Pickleball Canada National Championship was the place to be.  With the planning and implementation of the host committee, and the support of our terrific national sponsors, Myoflex®, Franklin, Skechers, and withinUs, Nationals was a great success!  And this was the first time Nationals included a title sponsor.  There were approximately 630 players registered from across the country from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Newfoundland. For those in attendance, or those who watched through streaming (through CBC Sports, Access Now TV, or the YouTube channel set up by the local committee), you had the opportunity to see some of the best players in the country compete for medals” says Pickleball Canada President, Val Vollmin.

From August 23-27, 2023, the host of this championship event, Pickleball Regina Inc., and all of its amazing volunteers, put on a spectacular event. The event took place in two venues; the Viterra International Trade Centre and the Queen City Pickleball Hub with 33 courts. “Pickleball Regina was honoured to host the Myoflex® 2023 Pickleball Canada National Championship. The volunteer local organizing committee supported by many others, worked tirelessly for months to plan for this event, the largest pickleball tournament ever held in Saskatchewan. Feedback from athletes, volunteers, sponsors and spectators was incredibly positive and encouraging. Hearing the comments made the hard work rewarding for everyone. We always plan for excellence and really achieved our goals with the tremendous success of the Nationals!”, said Randy Dove, Chair & President of Pickleball Regina Inc.

The tournament showcased many exciting moments for Pickleball history, including Pickleball Canada’s International Ambassador, and pickleball professional, Steve Deakin’s successful return to the Nationals, by winning three gold medals, in the Mixed Doubles Pro event, Men’s Doubles Aged event, and Men’s Doubles Pro event.

Pickleball Canada would like to give a huge thank you to Pickleball Regina Inc., the 200 volunteers who gave up their time to host this event, the 100 officials who refereed and oversaw hundreds of matches to ensure fair competition, and our sponsors who all played a part in making the Myoflex® 2023 Pickleball Canada National Championship the success it was.   

 Want to relive some of the action?

• Streams of the 4 championship courts (and one master feed with commentary) are viewable at:

https://www.youtube.com/@LocalOrganizingCommittee

• CBC Gem – in the coming days, highlights from 2023 Nationals will be viewable via CBC Gem

One very memorable match point (featuring Steve Deakin) was caught on camera. Catch it here: https://fb.watch/mN3132x9S9/