Pickleball
Canada
The latest news, tournaments
and upcoming clinics
SSIPA
CANADA
Kelowna Nationals 2018
For the past four years, Kelowna has hosted the Nationals.
This year, 800 registered for the event, resulting in 450
competitors, 275 matches per day on 12 permanent courts, plus
16 temporary courts on the adjacent tennis facility. Skills ranged
from beginner to professional. Competitors travelled from across
Canada, the United States, Mexico and England—and there were
more than 200 volunteers. For photos of this year’s event, visit
pickleballkelowna.cpm.
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The International Pickleball Association for players
60+, sometimes better known as Super Seniors (SSIPA),
partnered with Pickleball Canada at the Eastern Canadian
Championships in Kingston, Ontario, June 29 – July 1.
This tournament marked the first-ever SSIPA Circuit Event
held in Canada. Canadian SSIPA membership numbers
continue to grow and, around the globe, players who are
60+ are on the rise and participating in national events.
With 220 players coming from a number of provinces
and several states in the U.S., the competition at all levels
and age groups was exciting with many close scores and
many matches going to three games. Play was on 14
indoor courts on two adjacent hockey rinks with seven
courts on each rink. The concrete surface provided
consistent play conditions for all levels of players and the
tournament ball was the yellow Onix Pure II. The Invista
Center had stadium seating, which allowed spectators
a bird’s eye view of all seven courts from an excellent
vantage point.
Ryan Hanes, local club president, and Chuck
MacDonald, Tournament Chair for Pickleball Canada,
were responsible for the tournament operations team and
logistics. The volunteers did a wonderful job providing for
the needs of the players, from daily check-in, to first-aid
and on-court match play. Court monitors kept the warm-
ups moving and play continuous. Referees were provided
for all medal matches and USAPA-certified referees were
present to ensure fair and competitive play.
SSIPA is looking forward to continuing its growing
relationship with Pickleball Canada and providing a
minimum of five circuit events in 2019. The rapid growth
of Pickleball Canada and pickleball itself throughout
the world continues to increase the opportunity for
organizations and associations to step up to meet the
needs of players everywhere. In attendance at the
Eastern Canadian Championships were two SSIPA board
members, Ford Roberson, Founder/Executive Director,
and Alice Tym, International Liaison. Ford drove in
from Texas and Alice arrived from Tennessee. For more
information, and to join SSIPA, go to SSIPA-PB.org.