THUNDER BAY – In only three short years, the local annual pickleball tournament has more than doubled in size as the sport continues to gain popularity among people of all ages.
The third annual Pickleball Open got underway Friday afternoon at the Boulevard Lake pickleball courts and will continue all weekend to Sunday.
“This is our big tournament for the area. We do other tournaments in the region, in Duluth and in the province of Manitoba,” said Jason Horychuk, head coach of the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club. “We had 45 people the first year, we were 73 last year, and we are 100 plus this year.”
Horychuk said they have players participating from the local club, as well as from the Northwestern Ontario region, including city and national champions.
The tournament opened with men's and women’s double play and will continue on Saturday with mixed play and conclude on Sunday with singles.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded following play on Sunday.
Pickleball has been growing in popularity across the country, including Thunder Bay.
“Pickleball is a very social sport, easy to play, uses a smaller court, and you get to hit more balls per minute,” Horychuk said.
“Even if you are limited in movement, you don’t have to move very far. The social aspect of the sport is growing like I’ve never seen any sport before. We have all ages, all the way from eight years old to 80 and anyone can play at any time.”
Ben Date recently picked up the pickleball paddle a few months ago playing with his dad in Sault Ste. Marie.
“The more I started playing with him the more I got into it and then I wanted to get better and start playing here,” he said. “It’s just a fun sport. It’s kind of addicting when you hear the sound of the ball hitting the racket.”
Date said even though he is relatively new to the sport, he believes he’s ready for his first tournament.
“I know the rules and that’s how you get better too – is playing against people better than you,” he said. “It’s also a very welcoming community, everyone is really kind and you learn as you go and it’s been a really fun experience so far.”
For anyone interested in picking up the sport, Date said to definitely go for it because not only is it fun with a welcoming community, it’s also really good exercise.
“I would say it’s easy to pick up but hard to get really good at,” he said. “Anyone can start playing and start at a basic level, but if you want to get really good, it’s like any sport and you have to put in the time and practice, practice, practice.”
Spectators are welcome to come out and cheer on the players. In the event of rain, the tournament will move to the Moose Hall on Fort William Road.
