North Shore Pickleball Tournament: On July 24, the Blind River Community Centre hosted the first North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament. Players from four local clubs—Espanola, Blind River, Elliot Lake, and Thessalon—gathered for a day of competitive pickleball.
Linda Rainville and Fred Nyman spearheaded the event, marking it as the inaugural pickleball tournament for the region. Rainville acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Peter Wallentin and Debbie Shamas, stating, “They were a big part of this tournament.”
Tournament Dynamics
Each of the four participating clubs sent 16 players, totaling 64 competitors. The tournament emphasized fostering positive relationships among the clubs. Nyman noted, “Although competition was on every participant’s mind, the focus of this gathering was to further positive relationships amongst the four pickleball clubs.” He further explained, “This tournament was created to encourage people who are hesitant to participate in competitions such as the Ontario championship series of events, giving them the opportunity to play against people of a similar skill level.”
Winning Team
The event featured multiple two-on-two matches, with Espanola Club emerging as the victor, accumulating 21 points. The winning team received a three-foot trophy and each player was awarded a North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament keychain. Nyman detailed the format, saying, “All four pickleball clubs fielded a team of 16 players who were ranked according to ability. Each partnership competed against similarly skilled opponents from the other three clubs.”
Club Growth and Community Support
The Blind River Pickleball Club, founded in 2019 with 15 members, has grown to 103 members, though it once had a peak membership of 139. The tournament was supported by 14 local businesses and sponsored by Stephane Cloutier Wealth Management Team and the Royal Bank.
News in Brief: North Shore Pickleball Tournament
Espanola Club clinched victory at the inaugural North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament held at the Blind River Community Centre on July 24. The event, featuring 64 players from four clubs—Espanola, Blind River, Elliot Lake, and Thessalon—focused on enhancing community relationships and providing a competitive yet friendly environment. Organizers Linda Rainville and Fred Nyman, alongside key contributors Peter Wallentin and Debbie Shamas, emphasized the tournament’s role in encouraging participation and skill development. Espanola emerged as the top team, winning with 21 points. The Blind River Pickleball Club, supported by local businesses and sponsors, continues to grow since its 2019 inception.
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