A Year at a Glance : Pickleball Canada Edition
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by ELIZABETH WERNER
PICKLEBALL CANADA
Pickleball Canada enjoyed an amazing year in 2023 , with grassroot membership taking a huge leap , reaching more than 60,000 members by the year ’ s end . “ Pickleball Canada is thrilled to see the phenomenal growth of the sport we all love ! I expect to see 100,000 members in 2025 !” said Pickleball Canada ’ s president , Val Vollmin .
In 2023 , Pickleball Canada hosted four championships spanning the nation . These events included three Regionals and one National Championship . Pickleball Canada ’ s Western Regionals were held in Medicine Hat , Alberta , with more than 600 participants from across Western Canada . The Atlantic Regionals were held in Bedford , Nova Scotia , which brought 400-plus participants from across Atlantic Canada . Pickleball Canada ’ s Central Regionals were held in Kingston , Ontario , with around 200 participants from Ontario and Quebec competing .
Pickleball Canada ’ s National Championship , hosted in Regina , Saskatchewan , brought a new aspect to the organization . This marquee event was the launch for Pickleball Canada ’ s national partners , with Skechers being the first as the official shoe . Pickleball Canada also gained a title sponsor for the National Championship with Myoflex ® on board as the official topical pain relief . Franklin Sports served as the official ball and paddle sponsor , and withinUs — Pickleball Canada ’ s official electrolyte — also made its debut during these championships , handing out samples from the TruMarine ® Collagen line .
The 2024 Pickleball Canada National Championships are set for Bedford , Nova Scotia , at the Atlantic Tennis Centre Aug . 20-24 . This event is expected to bring in more than 800 participants and will be the first National Championships where Pickleball Canada ’ s new candy sponsor , Huer , will be on hand to sweeten the experience !
After an incredible 2023 , Pickleball Canada can ’ t wait to see what ’ s in store for 2024 !
For more information about Pickleball Canada , contact info @ pickleballcanada . org . •
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | MAGAZINE 61