The Halton Hills Pickleball Association (HHPA) is celebrating a remarkable 2024, marked by successful tournaments, community initiatives, and youth programs. With pickleball’s popularity continuing to grow, HHPA is preparing for an action-packed 2025, featuring themed tournaments, structured leagues, and a new digital platform for members.
2024 Harvest Classic Showcases Competitive Spirit
The 2024 HHPA Canadian Tire Harvest Classic, held at Emmerson Park from September 20-22, saw over 170 players competing in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events across multiple skill levels.
The tournament, sponsored by Canadian Tire Georgetown, Heyray.ca, and Amica Georgetown, expanded to a three-day format due to increased participation. Alongside the competition, HHPA organized a successful donation drive for the Georgetown Bread Basket, reinforcing its commitment to community service.
Growing the Game Through Inclusion and Youth Engagement
- Special Olympics Collaboration: HHPA partnered with Special Olympics Halton Hills to launch the organization’s first pickleball team, training coaches and volunteers to make the sport more inclusive.
- Youth Programs: HHPA hosted a Learn to Play session at a local elementary school, introducing students to pickleball in a fun and engaging way. Encouraged by its success, HHPA is set to launch a Junior Program in 2025, featuring structured coaching sessions, skill development, and organized gameplay.
Environmental Commitment: Tree Planting Initiatives
Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, HHPA partnered with Trees for Halton Hills in 2024 to plant caliper trees at Emmerson Park for improved shade and wind protection. In November, 200 trees were planted near Town Hall in Georgetown, further enhancing green spaces for the community.
Challenges and the Need for More Courts
As pickleball participation continues to rise, access to indoor courts during fall and winter remains a challenge. While the Town of Halton Hills and other facilities have been supportive, HHPA hopes to secure more playing spaces in the future to meet increasing demand.
Exciting Plans for 2025
HHPA is gearing up for a dynamic 2025 with:
- Themed Tournaments and Social Events to bring players together.
- Ladders and Leagues for competitive play and skill improvement.
- Round Robin Sessions to encourage participation at all skill levels.
- A New Digital Platform launching in spring 2025, providing mobile and desktop access, event notifications, waitlist functionality, and automated membership renewals.
- The 2nd Annual Serve It Up Charity Tournament, with proceeds benefiting Georgetown Bread Basket and Acton Food Share.
Growing Pickleball Movement
With pickleball’s rapid growth, HHPA remains at the forefront of the sport in Halton Hills. Whether a seasoned player or a beginner, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
News in Brief: Halton Hills Pickleball Association
The Halton Hills Pickleball Association (HHPA) is celebrating a successful 2024 and preparing for an exciting 2025, featuring themed tournaments, leagues, and expanded youth programs. HHPA continues to promote community engagement, advocate for more indoor courts, and launch a new digital platform for members.
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