Richmond BC Pickleball Explosion & "Play of Hope" Charity Tournament

Vikki Hui of Richmond News:

"No one knows when pickleball first landed in Richmond, but the sport has exploded in popularity in the city. According to co-founder Gordon Farrell, the Richmond BC Pickleball Association’s (RBCPA) membership has grown from around 100 to almost 600 since it was established in 2019.

Farrell came to learn about the sport through word of mouth a few years ago when pickleball enthusiasts played at community centre gyms during “sporadic times of the day.” The lack of dedicated courts or even outdoor courts never stopped the enthusiasts, and the high demand and desire to bring the sport to the city’s attention were what inspired the formation of RBCPA.
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“They’d have sessions in a community centre that would be for a couple of hours and they’d only let 30 people in just because you can only have so many people playing,” said Farrell. “But 60 to 70 people would line up an hour before to get in. And you could show up and not get to play that day.” The city eventually took note of the pickleball hype and managed to convert nine dedicated outdoor pickleball courts by 2020 — just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic."

RBCPA Players Enjoy 9 Dedicated Outdoor Courts in Richmond

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Play for Hope Charity Tournament:

Also in a separate story posted in Richmond News, Vikki highlighted the upcoming January 28th "Play for Hope" charity tournament to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Grade 12 students Jed Tan and Joar Hussain are hosting the tournament on Jan. 28 where community members will get to enjoy a day of active fun and raise funds to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. 

"Our goal is to raise awareness (for cancer) and help people feel more hopeful," said Hussain.

​A total of 64 players will be participating in the tournament with 15 volunteers helping out on the day. The event will also feature a raffle and community members will be able to pay tribute to loved ones and share inspirational messages on a "Wall of Hope."

Jed Tan and Joar Hussain posing with Linda Wong for their presentation about the tournament.Joar Hussain

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