Pickleball Championships set to be a smash in Red Deer

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There are over 900 competitors registered for the event, ranging from 14-years-old to 81-years-young. That includes about 80 players from the Red Deer area.

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There is a demonstration planned for para-pickleball, which is being showcased for the first time at these championships.

“It’s true that pickleball has largely been viewed as an old people sport, and yes, seniors do play it, but that’s just where the popularity took off,” Galesloot says of the sport’s appeal and how fun it could be for spectators this summer.

“Snowbirds would go down south to play it, and bring it back up here. It’s easier to learn how to play and participate in than tennis. It can also be very high cardio and challenging. Pickleball is much smaller court and slower pace generally, but the speed is getting faster with younger people getting into it.”

The outdoor venue at Motorworks Fields features 20 courts and opened in 2019. It is one of the largest pickleball venues in North America.

The nearby Kinsmen Fieldhouse will be utilized for indoor practices and warm-up.

Tournament Director Gene Vollmin adds, “This is by far the largest Red Deer or Alberta has hosted for a Pickles tournament. This may be larger than Kelowna and Kingston when we’re all done. With last year’s cancellation of the Nationals in Kingston the demand to get back out competing, and seeing pickleball friends is through the roof.”

Beer gardens will be open, and spectators can watch for free. Watch for more information ahead of the event at reddeerpickleball.com and pickleballcanada.org.