immediately had everyone’s full
attention.
Yet another factor in our favor
was the novel sonic experience of
the pickleball’s pop, which rang
out loudly in the semi-enclosed
area. After a brief explanation of
the game’s development, rules, and
strategy, we handed out paddles
and the kids began to play. It was an
instant smash!
Later, drawn in by the clatter of
pickleballs, some of the club’s top
tennis players stopped by and tried
their hand. Turned out, they loved it
even more.
“What I love about pickleball,” said
Saba, “is that it’s just flat-out fun! It
provides great exercise for everyone
at all levels, from kids to retired
adults who don’t have to worry
about running around a big tennis
court. It satisfies your competitive
needs and is comfortably social.
Also, it won’t break your wallet!”
So pickleball has been launched
in Kolkata. Saba, who says she “can’t
wait to play again,” has become
its chief advocate, and I’ve been
invited back to ramp up full-time
operations during the monsoon
season. The future of pickleball
appears to be very bright in the
“City of Joy.”
CANADIAN PICKLEBALL
IN A PREMIER VACATION
DESTINATION
T
By Bob Carter
ake a peek at British
Columbia’s pickleball
explosion the past
decade and a microcosm
of the North American scene
appears. Clubs sprouting all over
the province, membership soaring,
recreational play thriving and
tournament calendars expanding.
Now a new outdoor event will
add spice to the schedule this
summer—the first SSIPA tournament
on Canada’s west coast—the
Kahunaverse Sports Super Senior
Slam August 17-19 in Surrey, just
outside Vancouver.
The region is also home to Steve
Deakin, a rising pro who has joined
George Dwyer is a PPR-certified pickleball coach who conducts
group and individual instruction in the Washington, D.C.,
area. He is employed by the YMCA of Greater Washington,
D.C. and the City of Alexandria, Virginia’s Department of Parks
and Recreation, where he offers beginner and intermediate
instruction. Dwyer is also a former broadcast news producer
with ABC News and the Voice of America, and an affiliate
research faculty member at George Mason University’s School
for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. •
Canadian Steve Deakin at the 2019 US Nationals
the ranks of the world’s top 10 male
players.
This summer event not only serves
up age/skill competition for players
50+, but also provides a stunning
vacation destination. Who wouldn’t
want to enjoy off-court options
like beautiful beaches, fishing and
whale-watching excursions, great
shopping and a bevy of seafood
dining choices?
In addition, you can discover
some of Vancouver’s special
attractions such as Granville Island,
Chinatown, Gastown and Stanley
Park, or take a day trip to scenic
Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter
Olympics.
The international tournament,
which has a rain date of August 20,
will be played on 20+ courts in South
Surrey and will likely attract players
from British Columbia, Alberta, the
Pacific Northwest and beyond.
“We hope players and their
families take advantage of this
extraordinary event,” Tournament
Director Sharon Carter said. “It’s
a chance to enjoy good outdoor
pickleball and vacation in one of
the most beautiful places in North
America.”
For more information, contact
Sharon Carter, Kahunaverse
Sports Super Senior Slam
Tournament Director, at
[email protected]. •
APRIL/MAY 2020 |
MAGAZINE
57