restaurants . Perhaps grab lunch at the Red Boar Smokery or dinner at Tiffany ’ s Steak and Lounge .
I spoke with Red Deer Pickleball Club President Brenda Feser and her husband , Dick , both members of the tournament organizing committee , about the upcoming six-day contest , which will feature upwards of 550 competitors , 250 volunteers and 150 umpires and officials .
The pair spoke excitedly about the amazing volunteer response from the club and community , the beautiful new 20-court facility , adding 80 + age categories to the tournament , and plans to feature para-pickleball events and / or demonstrations . They are thrilled to have enlisted the highly sought-after Gene Vollmin as Tournament Director .
The Fesers , the committee , and all the volunteers are working feverishly , preparing to host the competitors , who are expected to arrive from all across Canada . While the competition will undoubtedly be fierce , many new friendships will also be forged .
Come to Red Deer for the amazing pickleball , and while you are here , enjoy everything else this unique Western Canadian city has to offer ! •
Wayne Kerr is a former tournament tennis player and coach who spent 25 years living in the U . S . before returning to Canada . Bitten by the bug , the writer / novelist is anxious to begin competing in pickleball tournaments when the pandemic ends .
Welcomiing , iinclusiive and accessiible . Our sport embraces and supports players of all ages , abiiliitiies and iinterests� we foster sociial connectiions and a sense of communiity .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | MAGAZINE 49