(article courtesy: Larry MacDonald)
Pickleball (named after the inventor’s dog “Pickle”) began about 55 years ago on Bainbridge Island, Washington and is the fastest growing sport in North America. In the US in 2020, there were 4.2 million players, an incredible growth rate of 21.3% from 2019 (Sports & Fitness Industry Associations 2021 Topline Participation Report).
Greater Victoria, from Sooke to Sidney, has many venues for learning and playing the game (victoriapickleball.org). One such venue for members of the Victoria Region Mens Newcomer’s Club (VRMNC) is Pearkes Rec Centre on Wednesday mornings through April 27, 2022. Although two contracted courts are fully booked, members interested in playing should contact Larry MacDonald (ayemac@shaw.ca) to discuss options for obtaining additional courts.
Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or advanced player, check out the various lessons that are available. For maximum enjoyment, at least in the beginning, it’s best to learn and play with people at your own level, or just a bit better so you can learn some new skills and strategies. For more information, contact Connie McCann, President of the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association (vicrpba@gmail.com).
Nearly every day at one of our local rec centres, you can hear the distinctive sound of thunk … thunk … thunk, which to pickleballers means fun … fun … fun! Guaranteed, you will smile more playing pickleball than doing anything else on the planet — well, just about anything else! Don’t take my word for it, come on out and give it a go. Only then will you understand why nearly everyone who takes up the game gets addicted.
On December 11, 2021 the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association held its annual fun Christmas tourney at Pearkes Rec Centre. A total of 64 players participated safely in this all-day event, stopping only for lunch and occasional yuletide snacks. Provincial Health COVID guidelines were strictly adhered to: being double vaxed, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing when not playing.
A special thanks to Trish Main and a host of volunteers for running the tournament and purchasing a bunch of prizes, including gift cards at Starbucks, Canadian Tire, and Courtside Sports. Players are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Medals were awarded to the top three teams in A and B Divisions as follows:
Division A
Gold – Dwayne Gordon and Bill
Silver – Doug Bailey and Mary Roberts
Bronze – Brian de Schepper and John Handy
Division B
Gold – Teri Kielbiski and Silvana Mastrodonato
Silver – Myrna Forland and Corine Reid
Bronze – Leigh Brumwell and Duff Johnston
Article courtesy of: Larry MacDonald