US Open silver medal presentation — Ryan Hanes in blue , and his partner Ian Lepine ( far right ) in red .
featured a photo of a woman holding what looked like an oversized ping-pong paddle . I was hooked by my second session . I am addicted now , and fully committed to almost all aspects of pickleball . I am a certified referee in both America and Canada , the first Professional Pickleball Registry ( PPR ) certified teaching professional in Canada , and an active tournament director . I managed the 2019 Canadian National Championships in Kingston , which was the largest tournament to date in Canada with more than 500 participants !
First and foremost , I consider myself a player . With the help of amazing partners , I was able to win the Canadian men ’ s doubles title at the second-highest level , and also won silver at the same level at the US Open in 2019 .
I am proud of these successes on the court , but more than anything , I cherish the friendships made all across Canada and the U . S . These relationships will be enjoyed for the rest of my life , and they simply would not exist without this wonderful sport . •
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 .
MARCH / APRIL 2021 | MAGAZINE 47