Pickleball Magazine 5-6 | Page 82

PickleballCANADA

VIRTUAL — BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE !

By Linda Jefferies

COVID-19 has created an anomaly for many

Canadians who aspire to play the game of pickleball year-round both indoors and outdoors . Borders have closed and travel has been greatly restricted for snowbirds who fly south regularly in the winter months .
We are thankful for the Association of Pickleball Professionals ( APP ) for providing livestreaming of its USA Pickleball-sanctioned tour , enabling fans to watch the best-of-the-best from virtual courtside seats . Not just a dynamic game to play — pickleball is equally fun to watch and serves as a teaching tool as well . Bravo and thank you to APP !
Livestreaming of key tournaments has allowed Canadians the opportunity to follow Canada ’ s top players , none other than Steve Deakin and Catherine
Parenteau . World-ranked , Steve and Catherine have become the talk on the courts amidst the pickleball communities as we follow their rising careers . We are proud of not just their excellent playing abilities and standings , but the fact that they are so approachable and true ambassadors for the sport .
Steve Deakin , 46 , from Pitt Meadows , British Columbia , spent his junior years playing tennis , winning 11 national titles . He went on to travel worldwide with the Young Senior Canadian Team , playing in the World Championships in Croatia . While rehabbing a shoulder injury , Steve ’ s dad suggested he try pickleball at a local rec center . He was immediately hooked . In his words , “ Smaller court , faster pace , serious point constructing … lo and behold — underhand serves : perfect !”
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