AUGUST 14, 2021 – NATIONAL PICKLEBALL DAY

We invite all Pickleball players to join us on Saturday, August 14, 2021, to mark National Pickleball Day in Canada. This is a special day to celebrate our sport and players to continue to help the growth of Pickleball across Canada. There are many ways to mark the day, including holding fun tournaments; providing free lessons, holding skills competitions, and inviting friends and family to join in playing a game that is the fastest growing sport in North America.

ONIX Pickleball Named Official Ball Supplier to Nationals

Pickleball Canada is pleased to announce that ONIX Pickleball has been named the official supplier of balls to the Pickleball Canada National Championship (the Nationals) taking place in Red Deer, Alberta from August 10-15, 2021. Since its founding in 2005, ONIX Pickleball has become the leading manufacturer of performance pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories and is dedicated to growing and supporting the sport at a professional level.

The ninth edition of the Nationals is being hosted by the Red Deer Pickleball Club and Pickleball Canada and being held at the Red Deer Pickleball Courts at Motorworks Fields. Ranging in age from 10 to 80, more than 800 athletes are competing over six days for the right to be crowned Canadian champions in singles, doubles and mixed doubles in Open, Skill and Age-based categories.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America, with over 22,000 registered players in Canada.

PICKLEBALL CANADA 2021 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS RED DEER, ALBERTA – AUGUST 10TH – 15TH

In less than a week the 9th Pickleball Canada National Championship is coming to Red Deer, Alberta. From August 10-15, 2021, the Red Deer Pickleball Club in partnership with Pickleball Canada will host the Nationals at the Red Deer Pickleball Courts at Motorworks Fields. This Pickleball Canada sanctioned tournament will use the current international rules. This event has been held every year since 2012, except for COVID-19 impacted 2020.

Over the course of six days, the Championship will see more than 800 athletes compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles in Open, Skill and Age-based categories. Competitors range in age from 10 to 80 and will come to Red Deer from all across Canada for the right to be crowned Canadian champions.

We know this is going to be an exciting event with top athletes such as Steve Deakin, Mark Renneson, Charles Neufeld, Karina Michaud Ernesto Fajardo, Cookie Drake, Paul Clemens, and Michael Botterill competing for top spots.

For those in attendance, don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Pickleball Canada dinner on Friday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m. The menu is mouth watering with a buffet including Chicken Divine, St Louis Ribs, Caesar Salad, Macaroni Salad, Broccoli Salad, Baby Carrots, Kernel Corn, Oven Roasted Potatoes; Assorted Rolls, Black Forest Cake, Tropical Fresh Fruit Cake; Coffee, Tea, Punch. And the entertainment will be performed by Dean Ray. The cost is $28.50. Please pre-order at Pickleball Brackets or eTransfer.

If you are not able to attend but are excited to see the results, please use the following link to Pickleball Brackets: https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?cpg=r&eid=e9cb2fe3-09ef-43bb-88f5-b0e696031f36

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY PICKLEBALL CANADA!

On July 28, 2011, Pickleball Canada was incorporated through the Canada Corporations Act.  Pickleball Canada and pickleball in Canada have grown so much over these past 10 years with 22,183 registered members! Thank you to all those who have helped build Pickleball Canada to what it is today and will continue to make Pickleball Canada a stronger National Sport Organization! Thank you to all the volunteers over the years. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. Here’s to the next 10 years!

Pickleball popularity surges during pandemic

Globe & Mail article

Move over, tennis players: Pickleball people are taking over the courts

Pickleball Canada National Championship Update

Dear Pickleball Canada Member,

We are pleased to announce that the 2021 Pickleball Canada National Championship in Red Deer this August 10-15, is a GO!

Yes, you read that right, let’s play pickleball! Red Deer is gearing up for the finest championship ever and are very optimistic about the Open For Summer Plan.

Important Notes:

  • Alberta is entering Stage 2 on June 10th, of their Open For Summer Plan, and the Stage 3 opening is anticipated to be in July, which removes most of the restrictions in place.
  • Should the situation change, so may our future plans. If AHS (Alberta Health Services) delays Stage 3, or introduces more restrictions, we may be forced to cancel due to provincial guidelines.

What’s Next?

We are closely monitoring the AHS updates in Alberta as well as in the USA, regarding the number of cases. History tells us that government health plans can change quite rapidly depending on case counts. Particularly after key holiday events.

Completing Your Registration and Payment

  • July 1st, 2021. You will be prompted to return to Pickleball Brackets Website to complete your registration and pay for your events.
  • While you are in Pickleball Brackets, please take a look and select the evening meals and entertainment you would like to attend.
  • Players please ensure that you have paid your Club, Provincial and PCO fees before you attempt to pay your tournament fees in Pickleball Brackets.

We are delaying payment collection for as long as possible. You have time to make your travel plans, and also weigh the potential risks. The Provincial travel restrictions, as well as isolation requirements are your responsibility. You may be required to provide proof of vaccination, or isolation either leaving your home or returning. You can confirm at the following link – Alberta AHS guidelines here.

More to do in Red Deer than Pickleball!

In the next few weeks we will be releasing more information on travel, accommodations, things to do, tours, and other events that may be of interest to you. Our concierge team has curated a number of activities and services to make your trip to Red Deer, Alberta an unforgettable experience! Explore Red Deer!

The Fine Print:

It’s worth repeating, the Nationals are contingent upon AHS provincial health measures and restrictions. You can follow AHS guidelines for further details here.

New Executive Director

Pickleball Canada is very pleased to announce that Carla Anderson has been appointed its inaugural Executive Director.  
Carla brings 31 years of senior management experience to the pickleball system.  She was the Director of Games for the Canadian Olympic Committee, Executive Director of Taekwondo Canada, and Special Project Coordinator for the Sport Information Resource Centre. 
Carla will lead implementation of the Strategic Plan and ensure Pickleball Canada is committed to Safe Sport, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB).  The National Coaching Certification Program, the National System and volunteer recognition will also be major areas of focus.
Carla’s passion for sport development and her track record of getting things done will be critical as pickleball evolves to being a sport for all, for life.
We are delighted to welcome Carla Anderson to Pickleball Canada’s national leadership team.  
Carla will begin her position during the week of April 6

Social Media pages

Follow us online at our new Social Media pages where we will have contests, fun and provide information everything Pickleball.

Do you have an idea for us please contact our Social Media Manager at socialmedia@pickleballcanada.org

RETURNING TO PICKLEBALL PLAY COVID-19 Update

Since the start of the current crisis related to COVID-19, Pickleball Canada has been committed to fostering a safe sporting environment. In a time where we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis, this commitment includes the health and wellbeing of pickleball players, no matter their level, as well as all Canadians in the communities where we live and play.

In March, while we were in the depth of the crisis, based on recommendations by Public Health, Pickleball Canada strongly advised that all players across the country refrain from playing pickleball.

Today, Pickleball Canada recognizes that the situation has evolved and that different areas in Canada are affected in different ways. As a progressive deconfinement is being discussed and implemented across Canada, we believe that it will be possible to make a gradual return to playing pickleball in certain cities and regions in Canada.

If you live in a region where confinement measures have been lifted or modified by government authorities and indoor and/or outdoor sporting facilities have reopened, we encourage you to start playing pickleball again. Pickleball is a unique sport which provides many benefits, particularly for people’s health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

However, COVID-19 is continuing to create its share of challenges and concerns and we therefore believe that it is imperative to take certain precautions to ensure that pickleball is being played in a safe environment for all. In order to prepare for a progressive return to pickleball, Pickleball Canada is issuing the following tips and recommendations for players as well as for club administrators and anyone organizing pickleball activities.

Please note that pickleball play in contravention of local, provincial or federal laws or regulations is not an Authorized Activity and consequently is not covered by Pickleball Canada insurance.

Consult our:  COVID 19 – Tips and Recommendations for Players

Consult our: COVID 19 – Tips and Recommendations for Club Administrators, Coaches and Anyone Organizing Pickleball Activities

Also regularly consult your federal, provincial and local health websites for updates, as well as the website of your provincial pickleball association and local club.

PLEASE REMEMBER: 

PICKLEBALL IS ONLY A GAME,

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE NOT.

RESPECT YOURSELF, RESPECT ONE ANOTHER AND BE SAFE!!

April 2020 PC Scoop

The 2020 April issue of the Pickleball Canada Scoop is now published…