Pickleball Fundraiser in Alberta: In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, The Outreach Centre and Hockey Alberta Foundation are announcing a special pickleball fundraiser aimed at supporting Indigenous athletes in the growing sport of pickleball. The initiative highlights the ongoing partnership between Hockey Alberta and the Indigenous Sport Council Alberta (ISCA), a collaboration that has significantly benefitted Indigenous youth through enhanced athletic opportunities.
A Powerful Collaboration Supporting Indigenous Pickleball Athletes
Since their partnership began in 2019, Hockey Alberta and ISCA have extended their reach beyond hockey, fostering support and opportunities for Indigenous youth across First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. This collaboration has seen remarkable growth, with athletes making significant strides in various sports, including pickleball.
Al Blackwater, a prominent board member for ISCA, emphasized the importance of this partnership in expanding opportunities for Indigenous youth in all sports, including pickleball. “This partnership has allowed youth to showcase their talents not just in hockey but in other sports like pickleball, where they can compete and develop their skills at an elite level,” Blackwater noted. The fundraising event will focus on supporting Indigenous youth interested in pursuing pickleball at both local and national competitions.
Eliminating Barriers for Indigenous Athletes
While the partnership has made great strides in supporting Indigenous athletes, Blackwater acknowledged that financial challenges remain. Many aspiring Indigenous pickleball players face barriers that prevent them from accessing training, travel, and competition fees. To counteract this, initiatives such as the ISCA Elite Athlete Grant Application are being expanded to support Indigenous youth athletes, ensuring they have the resources to pursue their athletic goals.
Looking to the Future: Expanding Pickleball Opportunities
Looking ahead, Hockey Alberta and ISCA plan to continue expanding opportunities for Indigenous youth in sports like pickleball. Selection camps for the 2025 National Pickleball Championship will be held in Red Deer, Alberta, providing a platform for up-and-coming athletes to prove themselves on a national level. With continued support, the partnership is poised to foster a new generation of Indigenous pickleball stars.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fundraiser in Alberta
To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, The Outreach Centre and Hockey Alberta Foundation announced a fundraiser supporting Indigenous athletes, including those pursuing pickleball. Since 2019, Hockey Alberta and the Indigenous Sport Council Alberta (ISCA) have collaborated to enhance athletic opportunities for Indigenous youth. The partnership has led to improvements in various sports, with a focus on breaking down financial barriers through initiatives like the ISCA Elite Athlete Grant Application. Looking ahead, selection camps for the 2025 National Pickleball Championship will take place in Red Deer, Alberta.