PADDLES FOR PADS 2024 Charity Tournament Update

The North Shore Winter Club and Hollyburn Country Club have set the pace for the upcoming Paddles for PADS spring charity tournament on April 20th 2024. The two Vancouver North Shore clubs are the first ones to register for the province-wide tournament presented by Pickleball BC (PBC). 
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Paddles Up BC Clubs! PBC is encouraging clubs across the province to join us and with deadlines looming here is what your community needs to know to be part of this event as follows: 
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Tournament Format

• A charity tournament with funds raised by donations will benefit Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)
• Province-wide tournament model, casual and fun aimed at raising awareness of our great sport and PADS!
• Planned highlights are clinics, media events, sponsor driven features and Club participation throughout BC
• Clubs (see below) will be registered on Pickleball Brackets by PBC and then Clubs will decide how to manage each of their events 

Deadline for Club Registration:

• January 3rd 2024 target date
• To register a Club for this Tournament and for expressions of interest contact Walter Knecht @ [email protected]

 
Player Registration: Starts January 15th 2024 through your registered Club (as above)

PADS Tournament Support For Clubs 

• As the official charity PADS is committed to work with PBC and the host clubs to support the success of the tournament. To that end, PADS is leveraging their charitable status to bring its marketing and fundraising teams to assist in meeting growth priorities for both organizations
• PADS will be providing a tournament marketing tool kit for host clubs. In addition to this, PADS will support each host club with regionalized PR, sponsorship, merchandising, and of course PADS canine ambassadors where possible
• Depending on the city, some clubs will have access to special event grants coordinated by PADS
• Have questions about PADS support contact [email protected]​
• Watch for exciting highlights and updates over the coming months! 
• NOTE: PADS receives no funding from registration revenue. Funds raised for PADS will be a result of optional donations, merchandising and fundraising

Our Goal 
With over 100 established clubs in 110 BC communities the goal of this 2024 charity tournament is to attract as many member clubs as possible to host a tournament and join with us to the benefit of PADS and pickleball in BC.
 
About PADS
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.
 
About Pickleball BC (PBC)
Founded in March 2017, PBC is dedicated to the growth, development, promotion and enjoyment of pickleball in BC and elsewhere. We encourage people of all ages and skill levels to experience pickleball and discover the enjoyment of friendship and participation in an active lifestyle. In conjunction with the Pickleball Canada affiliation, PBC is now the B.C. Provincial governing body for pickleball. We are beyond pleased to support PADS by way of this tournament, which at a forecasted 3,000+ players across BC, will be the largest tournament in Canada to date

Together we can make a larger community impact by combining PADS,
​Pickleball BC, our BC Clubs and our great game!
[pictured above: Walter Knecht (left) with the Burnaby Pickleball Club and PADS' Assistance Dogs and Management]