Ponoka Pickleball Club Hosts Successful Tournament with Bashaw Players
The Ponoka Pickleball Club recently hosted a successful tournament, welcoming players from Bashaw for a day of friendly competition. The event, organized by Shirley Turner, Shelley Buss, and Brad Buss, saw 32 players participate in a round-robin format, with awards handed out to the top performers.
Brad Buss took home the gold, Maypu Mann secured the silver, and Tara Smith earned the bronze. The tournament was not only competitive but also fun, with dill pickle chips adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the event was the diverse range of players, with ages ranging from 13 to players in their 70s. Turner expressed her excitement about the increasing participation of young people in the sport, highlighting the inclusive nature of pickleball.
As the winter months approach, the Ponoka Pickleball Club will continue to play indoors at the Ponoka Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Turner emphasized the benefits of pickleball, not only for staying fit but also for building connections within the community.
Pickleball has been gaining popularity across Canada, with over 1.37 million Canadians playing the sport at least once a month. Pickleball Canada recently celebrated reaching 70,000 members, showcasing the growing interest in the sport.
For those interested in joining the Ponoka Pickleball Club, they can contact Shirley Turner or find the club on Facebook for more information. With the success of the recent tournament and the enthusiasm of its members, the club looks forward to continuing to grow and promote the sport of pickleball in the community.