Players of the fastest growing sport in the world will once again be converging on Williams Lake June 24 and 25.
“It’s one of those games you get started with and most people love it right away,” said Kevin Bourdon, Williams Lake Pickle Ball Club president and one of the local instructors.
Williams Lake Pickleball Club (WLPC) is hosting the tournament at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, with players coming from 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Horsefly, and as far away as Edmonton.
The club’s last tournament had players as young as 13 years old and as old as 80, showing the sport really is for all ages.
WLPC currently has over 80 members, and with Bourdon teaching spring and fall courses through the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex to introduce people to the sport, their numbers will likely continue to climb.
In addition to the two 12-person sessions each year, Bourdon and Bill Fawcett both hosted a workshop for teachers in School District 27 at a professional development day in order for teachers to begin introducing young students to the game.
Frank Kika is also teaching the sport to newcomers, said Bourdon.
The sport is very accessible in other ways as well, as Bourdon explained.
“It’s very cheap entertainment,” he said, noting it is social but also very competitive, with a lot to learn.
With a pair of running shoes, safety glasses and a paddle, you are essentially ready to go.
The outdoor courts are free and for just $5 a person can play on one of the four courts in the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Rink 2. The courts are available six days a week.
Bourdon expects 48 players on Saturday, June 24 and 64 on Sunday, with Rink 2 accommodating spectators if people want to come and watch the action.
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