The gymnasium at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre was the place to be this weekend as Special Olympics pickleballers from across the province were primed for some friendly competition.
The fast-growing sport attracted four of the seven Special Olympics pickleball clubs from across Ontario with players coming together to enjoy their favourite sport, show off their superstar pickleball skills and make new friends.
“I started playing two years ago and I love it, it’s a fun sport,” says Huronia Power Pickler Margaret Tynan. “It’s become my favourite.”
The local Huronia Power Picklers were joined at the day-long tournament by the Muskoka Xtreme Team, Meaford Thornbury Thunder and a team from Kitchener Waterloo.
The four teams consisted of 30 players in total with each member getting to play a minimum of six, 15-minute games.
John Baird, head coach of Huronia Power Picklers, hopes to get pickleball recognized as an official Special Olympics sport by hosting tournaments, gaining exposure and having more people join in on the fun.
“We are a demonstration sport under the umbrella of the Ontario Special Olympics,” Baird explains.
“We are what’s called adapt play as we move towards getting sanctioned as an official Special Olympic sport. It’s always been a goal of mine.”
Baird also had high praise for fellow coaches Lorraine Gurney, Rhonda Bailey and Shelley Wigle, who all contributed to organizing this ‘provincial cup’.
"The success of our Special Olympics’ athletes is directly related to their coaching expertise and professional commitment,” Baird adds.
He says coaches don’t only teach pickleball as a sport, but also promote it as part of a lifestyle that everyone can afford and that can be practiced all year round.
“We want people to come and embrace the sport, make friends, have fun and learn from each other by being role models,” Baird explains.
The Midland Civitan Club kept players refreshed by providing picklers with lunch and dinner while the pickleballs were supplied by the Midland Rec Centre’s sports store Competitive Edge.
Their next tournament is June 15th in Thornbury and they encourage those interested to contact their local community coordinator to join in the fun and become a Special Power Pickler.
To find your local Special Olympics clubs for volunteer or participation opportunities, visit the Special Olympics Ontario website here.
