CTV Vancouver, September 20th 2023: Today PADS and Pickleball BC announced their plans for a Province-wide Tournament on April 20th 2924. See the CTV news broadcast here. At a news conference held Wednesday, September 20th 11:00am PDT at the beautiful Robert Burnaby Park in Burnaby BC, Walter Knecht President of Pickleball BC welcomed everyone:

"I am very pleased to have you join us as we introduce the first annual PADS Pickleball BC Charity Pickleball Tournament event, scheduled for April 20, 2024...

​We probably all have dog stories – stories of their personalities, their empathy and their undying love. With training, many dogs can pull all these traits together and be of great service to individuals with a wide variety of life challenges. PADS is one great organization – taking on the task of not only training these wonderful companion animals but matching a dogs personality and skill with an individual in need. I and the Pickleball BC Board of Directors are in awe of the work and dedication required and wholeheartedly are throwing our support behind the PADS organization. And therefore our joint province-wide pickleball tournament...
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Furthermore – [one] legend has it that pickleball drew its name from the founder’s family dog. So how could we resist!"

Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with disabilities. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities.PADS is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International.

Pickleball BC and PADS are planning for every community and club in BC to join in with their own tournament or event, so please save the date now: April 20, 2024. We expect to have registration open province-wide by Jan 1 2024. And with our membership size now 15,000+ strong - and we will be open to non-members to join us – we expect thousands to play for PADS that day.

For more on this story, please go to Cornelia Naylor's comprehensive article in Burnabynow here.
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 Jane Mundy, British Columbia Magazine Fall Issue 2023: "If pickleball mania has reached your community it’s likely that you already know a picklehead, or pickler, as they fondly call themselves. Possibly it’s the kid next door or your grandparents—there’s no age barrier. Maybe you play: Pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and BC accounts
for nearly one-third of all the registered pickleball players in the country."

​In fact Pickleball BC (PBC) membership is at an all time high of 15,000+ members and growing as fast or faster than any other Province - but that's just us saying so!
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​Read the full article here [Editor's Note: Rob Irving Past-President (not President) of Vernon PC's quote was attributed to Walter Knecht, President of PBC]  

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The Washington Post, September 4th, 2023 by Jaclyn Peiser: "The pickleball craze overtaking recreation centers and repurposed tennis courts across the country is ushering in major shifts in the retail landscape. Running stores are stocking up on pickleball shoes. Walmart has tripled its shelf space for paddles, balls and other merchandise. Start-ups like Picklemall are turning ailing malls into indoor courts...

The rise of professional circuits and breakout stars like 16-year-old Anna Leigh Waters — who has endorsement deals with sportswear brand Fila and paddle maker Paddletek — only add to its appeal. Pickleball participation surged 85.7 percent in 2022, year-over-year, and 158.6 percent over three years, according to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association."
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“Pickleball is a real unicorn sport … in that you don’t find a sport that comes around that has mass participation appeal as well as mass retail appeal,” said Adam Franklin, president of Franklin Sports.

​Read the full article here.

Updated Monday August 28th to include new open link to story in the Globe Sports section:

Today (Saturday Aug 26th) the Globe and Mail published an article titled "Pickleball in a pickle: Plan to form national organization thrown into disarray" by Simon Houpt.

Walter Knecht, President of Pickleball BC, stated "trust many of you have seen and read it. If not, it is worth the 5 minutes. The story is told from a slightly different perspective than the one I gave over the last 10 months but for the most part the article is factual. The G5 arguments were and still are - Pickleball Canada is about and for the members. I maintain frequent contact with several of the new Board members and have confidence that the value in and for our members is high on the list of criteria as a rebuild is carried forth. Your support over the last year is greatly appreciated. I believe the results will be beneficial to both us as players and the sport in general".

Flipboard posted the following Globe and Mail story intro and picture below also today: "Pretty much everyone involved in the Great Canadian Pickleball Revolt of 2023 agrees that things just kind of spiralled out of control. The problems began, as they often do in realms where the stakes are small and the personalities large, with personal sleights that are probably unintended...And before you know it, the governing elite of pickleball in this country has been thwacked, with 16 directors leaving the Pickleball Canada board – which currently has only 17 seats – over the past nine months, throwing into disarray a years-long plan to become a national sport organization (NSO) officially sanctioned".

Read the full article now posted in the Globe's Sports section here.

Pickleball Brackets registrations show that 629 athletes along with 250 volunteers will visit Regina, Saskatchewan to be part of Day 1 of the 2023 Pickleball Canada National Championship's starting Tuesday, and to be held through August 27th.

Pickleball Canada also announced previously that "Myoflex® will be the title partner of the Pickleball Canada National Championships from 2023 through to 2025". This announcement took place in Markham, ON, home to Exzell Pharma Inc., with national and local media, as well as City of Markham dignitaries, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and councillor Isa Lee, with local pickleball players in attendance.... "The title partnership for the National Championships further deepens the Myoflex® and Pickleball Canada relationship, with Myoflex® having been previously announced as the official topical pain relief of the organization, and an official partner of the Pickleball Canada National and Regional Championship tournaments for 2023 through 2025."

RED DOG VISUAL is producing the live stream (4 championship courts) that will be streamed on YOUTUBE and via CBC. Bookmark the below streaming links so you can watch the live feeds, or the recordings so you can go back and watch your favourite players!
 
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChS9A-wicTiLAYOFjJXuVrw
 
CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2251794499924

Estha Parg Murenbeeld, President
On Behalf of the North Shore Pickleball Club
August 19th 2023:

"Tragically, a much-loved member of our community collapsed at the courts after a pickleball game and, despite immediate, competent and compassionate care by the people present, passed away.  We will never know if he could have been saved; however, the club has committed to being better prepared for any future emergencies.  Thought we’d share our process in case its of any use to another club."

The need for AED's is outlined in a timely fashion in the open letter Estha published as a guideline for other Clubs. According to a Health Canada, “Early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (1 to 3 minutes after cardiac arrest) is vital. These actions may increase the chance of survival by 75% or more.”

​Please read this important message posted in this PDF here.
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 RICHMOND BC Belvedere Club Gala With Ben Johns: “This is a fantastic facility for Pickleball.”

​Ben Johns, the world’s number one ranked singles, doubles and mixed doubles player by the Professional Pickleball Association, lavished praise on the new Pickleball courts featured at the new Belvedere Club at 1751 Savage Road. The American was the special guest for a pre-opening event for the first 100 family founding members at the club, which is anticipating a September 2023 opening.
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“I’ve played all over the world, and the Belvedere Club is one of the finest facilities I’ve seen yet,” says Johns, who lives in Austin, Texas. “Everything from the layout of the eight indoor courts, the surface itself, the inter-court barriers and the massive video screen is first class. As the first private family sports club built in Vancouver in 60 years, Belvedere is going to be a signature location to play Pickleball in B.C. Pickleball is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and it’s really taken Canada by storm,” states Johns. “It’s catching up very quickly.”

Johns played a series of fun games against local Pickleball players, like Walter Knecht pictured below, to highlight the event which featured fine dining in the Gold Lounge and the first pizzas produced in the new ovens that just arrived from Italy. Belvedere has a new name, transforming from the Greater Vancouver Sports Club, and a new logo that plays tribute to the six racquet and other sports to be played on site, as well as the arts, activities and dining options – accented by the Chinese symbol for longevity.

Belvedere offers over 100,000 square feet of indoor facilities, including 21 courts for Pickleball, Padel, Badminton and Squash, all designed for players and their families to enjoy. Follow this link to read the full report by Glenn.

Saturday August 12th 2023:

Today is National Pickleball Day (US has a different day to celebrate) and a special day to celebrate the sport we love.

Pickleball Canada says "this is a special day to showcase the sport we all love, and there are so many ways to celebrate. How about hosting a tournament, providing free lessons, holding skills competitions, or inviting friends and family to join you in a day of play. It just has to be Fun!National Pickleball Day is an excellent opportunity to spread awareness of the sport and introduce the game to new players across the country. Show your friends and family why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America."

Hollyburn Country Club and Whistler Racket Club (WRC) are celebrating this weekend along with many other clubs across BC and Canada. Whistler is hosting a mixer at 3pm today along with clinics run by Jamie and Will. Hollyburn, along with National Pickleball Day celebrations, is also celebrating the opening of their new indoor courts (curling rink re-purposing) with all day open play and a party!
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If you do take part in, or organize a National Pickleball Day event, make sure to tell us about it! We would love to share your stories with our BC members on our social media, website, and our monthly newsletter. Please send details, pics and/or videos to info@PickleballBC.ca. 
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Statement from Chris Ellis, President, Golden Ears Pickleball Club

"As we eagerly prepare for the inaugural Summer Classic Tournament at Golden Ears Pickleball Club August 12-13 in Pitt Meadows, we are delighted to pay tribute to a local legend and professional player who has significantly contributed to our community:

Steve Deakin. A native of Pitt Meadows of approximately 15 years, Steve is not just a decorated athlete, but also an inspirational figure who embodies the spirit of the game.

Steve's journey to pickleball greatness is one of dedication and unyielding resilience. The story begins in the backyards of Pitt Meadows, where he first picked up a paddle. His raw talent was evident from the onset, and it wasn't long before he was dominating local tournaments. After setting the local scene alight with his remarkable prowess, Steve ventured to the professional arena where he further etched his name into the annals of the sport.

A force to be reckoned with on the court, Deakin’s striking combination of power, agility, and tactical intelligence has proven indomitable, earning him numerous accolades in the professional pickleball realm. His resume is dotted with gold medals from high-profile tournaments, including the US Open and the Nationals. Yet, his achievements on the court are matched, if not surpassed, by his contributions off it.

A resident of Pitt Meadows, Steve has tirelessly given back to his community. His endeavors to promote and develop pickleball locally have been nothing short of extraordinary. With passion and energy, he has organized countless workshops, clinics, and community pickleball events, mentoring emerging talents and fostering a culture of camaraderie and sportsmanship among enthusiasts.

His commitment to the sport extends beyond the boundaries of Pitt Meadows. He has been a driving force in establishing pickleball programs throughout the region and country. Steve’s philanthropic efforts have not only expanded the reach of the sport, but also empowered individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate and revel in the joy of pickleball.

But Steve Deakin’s journey is not just a tale of professional success and community involvement. It's a story of a humble, kind-hearted individual who, despite his fame, never lost sight of his roots. It's the story of a person who embodies the spirit of pickleball in his every endeavor, demonstrating a blend of competition, collaboration, and a genuine love for the game.
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As we gear up for the first Summer Classic Tournament at Golden Ears Pickleball Club, it's impossible not to feel Steve Deakin's influence pervading the event. His story continues to inspire those who pick up a paddle, his professional accolades stand as a testament to his skill, and his community work as proof of his dedication to his home turf. This tournament, therefore, serves as more than just a competitive event—it is a celebration of our local hero, Steve Deakin, and the indelible mark he has left on pickleball, both in Pitt Meadows and beyond."

CTV News Vancouver, July 27th 2023: A group of Gulf Island tennis players who were forced to share the local courts with pickleballers were not "oppressed," a B.C. judge found while refusing to grant them exclusive use of the space. The battle over the tennis courts began two years ago, as the sport of pickleball was surging in popularity – including on Mayne Island, with its small community of around 1,100 residents. Read the full article here.

​CBC News also reported that the struggle over use of the two courts has created a rift in the small community, according to Adrian Gowing, MITA (Mayne Island Tennis Association) president and one of the people who filed the petition. The 21-square-kilometre Mayne Island is in B.C.'s Southern Gulf Islands, between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.  "You know, we're in our little village here. At times we get on the ferries to go places and and now you're sort of looking around going, 'Oh, I don't want to talk to that person, I don't want to talk to that person.' It's become quite uncomfortable," said Gowing. He said the court challenge may have contributed to the tension, but now that the judge has settled the matter, Gowing said he's worried the pickleball players will be emboldened.

The courts now revert back to the 21 hours for each of tennis and pickleball players. Read the full CBC story here.