Wetaskiwin Picklepals Host Inaugural Tournament: Last weekend, the Wetaskiwin Picklepals Club held its first-ever pickleball tournament at Clear Vista School, marking a new chapter for the local pickleball community. Club president Paolo Canton said the success of the event shows a strong demand for competitive play, and more tournaments will follow.
“I did not think people would want to play competitively, but that is definitely not the case. There is a need for it now,” (Paolo Canton).
The tournament wrapped up the first season of the Wetaskiwin Pickleball League, featuring 32 players ranging from seven to 80 years old, all competing for gold and silver medals. The event served as an introduction to the newly formed Picklepals Club, which aims to offer structured play focused on skill development, community engagement, and social well-being.
Pickleball Gains Popularity in Wetaskiwin
Although informal pickleball games have been available in town, an organized club had not existed until now. Canton, who only recently discovered the sport, estimated that about 90 people play pickleball in Wetaskiwin each week.
“I’m not entirely sure how many people play in town, but our initial estimate is about 90 players per week,” (Paolo Canton).
Canton’s personal journey with pickleball began after a knee injury left him unable to participate in sports for years. He and his wife tried the game last year and quickly became passionate about it.
“I couldn’t play sports since college. This is easier to play, and it’s the only sport that can have grandparents, parents, and kids all playing together,” (Paolo Canton).
Future Plans and Junior Hotshots Program
With growing interest in the sport, the Picklepals Club is working to create more competitive opportunities. Canton mentioned that with rumors of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport in 2032, they want to develop local players for higher-level competition.
“We already have a kid from St. Albert who plays at a higher level close to pro, and he tours in the USA to play in major leagues. My dream is to have a representative from Wetaskiwin at least go to provincials next year in Alberta,” (Paolo Canton).
The club’s first initiative to support player development is the Junior Hotshots program, a series of four to five sessions led by Pickleball Alberta. The program will focus on skill-building for young players.
“We want our youths to find interest in pickleball as it is a non-contact sport and highly competitive at higher levels,” (Paolo Canton).
Before the program begins, the club is hosting a free event, “Try it For Free,” on April 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Norwood School, 5505 44 St. The Junior Hotshots camp will take place on April 11 and 18, and May 2 and 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the same location.
News in Brief: Wetaskiwin Picklepals Host Inaugural Tournament
The Wetaskiwin Picklepals Club held its first pickleball tournament at Clear Vista School last weekend, drawing 32 players from ages 7 to 80. Club president Paolo Canton said the event marked the beginning of organized play in town. The club is now launching a Junior Hotshots program and a free pickleball event on April 4.
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