Pickleball Passion Ignites in Vernon Final: This weekend, Vernon plays host to the final pickleball tournament of the year, the Rally in the Valley, welcoming some of the region’s best players. With an impressive 270 competitors in attendance, the event shows a diverse range of skill levels, from novice enthusiasts to elite athletes.
Exploding the Popularity of Pickleball
Tournament director Richard Chambers has noted the unprecedented growth of the sport, reflecting on the surge in player registrations.
“I think there are now 18,000 registered pickleball players in BC and 80,000 registered with Pickleball Canada. Less than 10 years ago, there were less than 5,000 in Canada, and it continues to grow.” – (Richard Chambers)
This trend shows pickleball’s increasing popularity, showing no signs of slowing down.
The Venue: Pickleball Palace
The Rally in the Valley takes place at the Okanagan Wealth Advisor’s Pickleball Complex in Marshall Fields, affectionately known as the Pickleball Palace. Chambers expressed pride in the facility, stating,
“One of the great things is we are so fortunate here to have this terrific facility, and there are more and more facilities coming on across the country.” – (Richard Chambers)
Community Support and Recognition
Significant community support was instrumental in establishing this premier venue. Members raised an impressive $1.2 million in less than two months to build the facility. This collective effort did not go unnoticed; in October 2023, the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) was honored as Canada’s Best Pickleball Club for 2023 by Pickleball Today, surpassing 140 clubs nationwide to claim this prestigious title. With a membership of 1,200 and a waiting list of additional players, the VPA shows the thriving pickleball community in Vernon.
News in Brief: Pickleball Passion Ignites in Vernon
The final pickleball tournament of the year, Rally in the Valley, takes place this weekend in Vernon, attracting 270 competitors. Tournament director Richard Chambers highlighted the sport’s explosive growth, noting 18,000 players in BC and 80,000 nationwide.
The event is held at the Okanagan Wealth Advisor’s Pickleball Complex, known as the Pickleball Palace. Community efforts raised $1.2 million for the facility, leading to the Vernon Pickleball Association being named Canada’s Best Pickleball Club for 2023. The VPA currently boasts 1,200 members with a waiting list, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity.
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