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.

West Vancouver July 17th, 2023: HCC PIckleball Committee ALS $7500 Donation Ceremony 

John McCoach, Hollburn Country Club (HCC) Management and the Pickleball Committee attended a ceremony to present a cheque to Navin Autar, Coordinator ALS Society of BC in the amount of $7,500. This donation was as a result of tournament funds raised, including personal donations, during the Spring Charity ALS Invitational Tournament held recently during the weekend of May 26th - 28th. Several Pickleball BC Board members played in the tournament (and donated) including Walter Knecht, President and David Snell, Board Member.

David stated "On behalf of the HCC Pickleball Committee I wanted to a shout-out to: John for being our ALS charity inspiration; HCC for the courts, catering (BBQ was a highlight) and support; all who participated in the tournament and donated; our Volunteer Committee led by Lorelei Visosky ("traffic") and Jamie Dean ("lining" and Head Ref) whose help was invaluable; and a special thanks to Tim MacVinnie who ran a very successful tournament and who has agreed to help again in our Dinks and Drinks MS Charity Tournament Sept 15th to 17th."

Wendy Toyer, Executive Director ALS BC stated in part: "The success of the 2023 Hollyburn Spring Charity Invitational Pickleball Tournament stands as a testament to the goodwill and compassion that thrives within the pickleball community and beyond. Combining their love for the sport with a deep sense of social responsibility, these individuals have exemplified the true spirit of giving back." See the full press release here.

The Hollyburn Pickleball Committee and all involved extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the tournament’s success and those who supported the cause in any way. Together, they have demonstrated that great things can be achieved when a community rallies together.
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Below we have (left to right) Navin, John McCoach, Dave Snell with Nancy Chapman HCC's new Acting GM (1st pic), and James Holloway Athletic Director (2nd pic).

News Direct reports that The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) has unveiled updated pickleball participation research which reveals that 48.3 million adult Americans – nearly 19% of the total adult population – have played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months. This represents an increase of 35% since the APP’s last research was concluded in August 2022, when the adult participation number reached 36.5 million. The updated study also revealed that the average age of pickleball players is 34.8 years, considerably younger than previously assumed, highlighting the growth of the game, in particular, among people between 18 and 44. 
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The new research reveals additional data points for demographics and geographics of the pickleball-playing population in the United States. Read the full report here...

For a different few, here are some quotes from the various Facebook PIckleball group blogs such as The Pickleball Clinic, The Dink Pickleball, USAP and others:

- “I feel like golf grew a lot during Covid.... hard to believe this graphic with them showing such a small growth in golf - can't believe the chart at all

- Raj Parmar not even close.  USAP has the [pickleball player] number at 8 million last year

- i don’t believe one out of every eight men, women and children living in the US today are playing pickleball

- CJ Cebul someone is smoking something 
- Pickleball is not more popular than tennis 
- Funny when USAP and other sources say it is 8 million. Where did this number come from?"

Decide for yourself!!

Ottawa PCO AGM June 23rd 11:59pm EST: ​Following rejection of the proposed new By Laws in the recent Special General Meeting, the PCO AGM was held Wednesday June 23rd. New Directors were nominated and approved and other changes were announced to the make-up of the Board of Directors. More on the details of these changes to be published soon.

By all accounts, the CNPL Western Canada Draft Qualifier was a success, drawing the best players in the West to compete for coveted CNPL roster spots. Vernon Pickleball Association did a great job as expected!

CNPL stated June 23rd on their Facebook Group: "Wow what a weekend we had in the West. Thank you to all the #pickleballplayers for supporting #propickleball in Canada and to the refs & volunteers who held us down all weekend for the Draft Qualifier in Vernon - here’s a quick [video] #behindthescenes recap."

​We recognize many of the players as perhaps you do! We wish them all the best in the Draft.

CNPL is hosting their Western Region Draft Qualifier in Vernon June 17 to 18th 2023.

The CNPL is looking for referees (lvl 1 & 2) & volunteers for June 17 & 18 to lend a hand at the Western Draft Qualifier (contact details in flyer) at the OWA Pickleball Complex in Vernon; we appreciate your support of Canadian pickleball!

Certain higher level players are committed to Sunday June 17th and are not required to play Saturday. The rest need to earn their place in Sunday's round robin which earns them a place on the Draft List. Only the top players from Saturday will play Sunday with the committed players.

This follows on the heels of the very successful BC Provincials hosted by PickleballBC, Pickleball Depot and the Vernon Pickleball Association in May, and also the award of CNPL's Team #5 as described in the announcement below: 

Pickleball Canada Special Meeting Announcement June 6th 2023:

​"A Special Meeting [was] called by the President to review and vote on amendments to the corporation’s bylaws as provided by the Pickleball Canada Board of Directors.

Date:  Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Time:  6:00 p.m. ET
Location: The meeting [was] held electronically via Zoom.

Background: With the rapid growth pickleball has seen comes opportunity, challenge and, of course, responsibility. One major challenge we have is with our bylaws. These were established with a much smaller organization in mind and when we did not have provincial or territorial organizations, as we do now. We have, simply, outgrown the vision our predecessors held and it is time to upgrade.

The following documents provide more information regarding the proposed amendments to the Bylaws:

1. Introduction to the Bylaw Review
2. 2023 (proposed) Bylaws
3. 2019 (current) Bylaws
4. Meeting Agenda"

Meeting and Voting Outcome: The amendments to the corporation's Bylaws as proposed were defeated. 

CASTANET May 14th 2023, Vernon BC (some edits by Admin):

More than 600 competitors are in Vernon this weekend for the inaugural BC Provincial Pickleball Championships. Held at the Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickelball Complex in Marshall Fields, the event features players from 13 to 80 years old.

Tournament Director Richard Chambers said the 620 men and women are “from all corners of the province. It's the first ever BC Provincial Championships, it also happens to be the largest provincial pickleball championships held in Canada.”

The 1,000+ matches are being played in the complex and on the tennis courts next to the building.

“You are going to see athletes of all ages waging war,” Chambers said. “Although it has a funny name, it is a really fun game.”

From here, the winners typically go to the Western Canadian Regionals and then the Canadian Nationals. Chambers said if anyone wants to see what pickleball is all about, he invites you to the stop by the Pickleball Depot-sponsored event today's Mixed Doubles events and Sunday Men's Doubles.

Medal winners will be posted on our Virtual Trophy Wall following the close of the Tournament.