Thunder Bay Pickleball Club Launches New Facility with Charity Tournament, Inspiring Community Engagement
Thunder Bay Pickleball Club Launches New Facility with Charity Tournament
THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Pickleball Club celebrated a significant milestone this weekend, hosting its inaugural tournament at the newly opened facility inside the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) building. Over 100 spectators gathered to witness the excitement, marking a new chapter for the club and the sport in the community.
The new venue, which previously housed the Boulder Bear Climbing Centre, is a testament to the club’s dedication and vision. John Duck, the club’s director of long-term planning, expressed pride in the achievement. "When I joined the board, I was tasked with finding a permanent home for the club, and here we are at the CLE," he said.
In a spirit of giving back, the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club is donating all tournament proceeds to Special Olympics Thunder Bay. With nearly 200 athletes registered over the three-day event, Duck anticipates raising several thousand dollars for the local charity. "Every dollar from registration fees will support the community through Special Olympics," he noted.
The tournament kicked off last Friday with men’s doubles, followed by women’s doubles on Saturday and mixed doubles on Sunday. Duck explained that the format encourages maximum participation, as the club primarily focuses on doubles play.
In addition to registration fees, the club is hosting a silent auction and accepting additional donations to boost fundraising efforts. "We’re hoping for a good total by the end of the event," Duck added.
Tudor Nisioiu, the club’s past president, proudly secured a silver medal in men’s doubles alongside Duck. "This tournament is a charity for the Special Olympics, and we’re really proud to help out the community. The club opened just a week ago, and here we are—it’s a dream come true," he said.
Nisioiu praised the atmosphere of the tournament, highlighting the dedication of volunteers and the passion of players. "It was an absolutely fantastic experience, and we welcome everyone to check out our not-for-profit organization," he encouraged.
Looking ahead, Duck revealed plans for more tournaments and events, including a potential 24-hour pickleball marathon to raise funds and awareness. "We have a few things up our sleeve," he said, noting interest from players across the U.S. and other clubs.
The club is also gearing up for the Thunder Bay Open, scheduled for early July at the Boulevard Lake outdoor pickleball facility, with contingency plans to move indoors in case of rain.
With a commitment to fostering community engagement, Duck invites pickleball enthusiasts to visit the new facility, which boasts unique acrylic textured floors similar to those used by professional players. "We’re excited to offer this to players in town," he said.
For updates on upcoming events and to learn more about the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club, visit their Facebook page or stop by the facility, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
