Vernon Pickleball Association "Rally in the Valley"

The Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) along with Pickleball Depot, are fired up for the inaugural ‘Rally in the Valley Powered by Pickleball Depot’ pickleball Tournament taking place August 12th – 14th at the National Bank Financial – Okanagan Wealth Advisors (OWA) Pickleball Complex, located at 6601B Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon.

Richard Chambers, VPA Tournament Committee Chairperson says, “"The VPA is excited to host the three-day 'Rally in the Valley’ pickleball tournament.  Two hundred fifty players from all corners of the province are supported by 120 volunteers. It is our 4th and largest tournament of the year.  Pickleball players from around Canada are eager to visit Vernon to take advantage of our wonderful covered facility and all that Vernon has to offer."

The tournament is sanctioned by Pickleball Canada and Pickleball BC and is a competitive doubles tournament.  Women’s Doubles takes place Friday, Mixed Doubles on Saturday and Men’s Doubles on Sunday, with games starting at 8 a.m. each day. 

Cara Arding, owner of Pickleball Depot says “"We are thrilled to have the opportunity of title tournament sponsor with the club who has supported us since our business inception. We have worked closely with the Vernon Pickleball Association for the past 10 years and we are thrilled to see this state-of-the-art facility come to life right here in our own backyard and host large scale tournaments like Rally in the Valley. We are passionate about having a positive impact in our community and the OWA Pickleball Complex aligns with that passion through the opportunities it will provide to Vernon residents of all ages and abilities to grow the sport of Pickleball and support healthy and active living.”
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Saturday August 13th also happens to be National Pickleball Day in Canada, and the tournament is a fantastic way to celebrate and spread awareness about this popular fast-growing sport.  On both Saturday and Sunday, Canadian Professional Pickleball player, Steve Deakin, will be in attendance to meet players and spectators and is on board to play an exhibition match on Sunday at approximately 3:30 p.m.  Spectators are welcome to come and watch the tournament all weekend.
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The VPA is a non-profit society and has over 850 members who play year-round, both recreationally and competitively. For more information please visit the VPA website at  www.vernonpickleball.com

Photos (credit Anne Longley):
Photo Left - L-R:  Richard Chambers, VPA Tournament Committee Chair; Cara Arding – Owner, Pickleball Depot; Leah Peebles, Pickleball Depot;  Brent Bolin, VPA Vice President
Photo Right -  L-R, Richard Chambers, VPA Tournament Committee Chair; Cara Arding, Owner, Pickleball Depot