Pickleball in Manitoba has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, expanding from around 400 members to nearly 3,000 active players under the leadership of Ted Fardoe, President of Pickleball Manitoba. Originally popular among seniors, the sport’s demographic is shifting younger, with more high schools and youth programs embracing pickleball. The organization has actively promoted the sport in schools, hosting provincial championships and youth clinics, and will feature a youth division at the upcoming National Championships for the first time. The sport’s accessibility, social atmosphere, and health benefits make it appealing to all ages, including seniors who continue to participate actively.
Looking ahead, Pickleball Manitoba aims to further develop the sport through strategic planning, seeking official recognition and funding from Sport Manitoba, and expanding facilities and programming. The sport’s rapid growth and increasing participation by high-level athletes have led Fardoe to confidently predict pickleball’s inclusion in future Olympic Games, potentially as soon as the next North American-hosted Olympics. Overall, pickleball is becoming a vibrant community activity across Manitoba, with clubs in numerous towns and a bright future on both provincial and international stages.
