Pickleball Tournament in Lethbridge: More than 200 athletes gathered in Lethbridge from May 2 to May 4 for a three-day pickleball tournament held at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre. Players from Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, and Saskatchewan took part, showing the sport’s growing popularity and community support in southern Alberta.
Big Turnout and Strong Matches
The event was the first of its kind in southern Alberta. It was hosted through a partnership between the Lethbridge Pickleball Club, the Coaldale Pickleball Club, and the Lethbridge and District Exhibition.
Athletes of all ages and skill levels competed in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The tournament was high-energy, with strong participation and intense matches.
Youth Take the Spotlight
A special youth showcase kicked off the weekend on Friday. It featured 25 junior players and highlighted how pickleball is becoming popular among younger athletes. “The play was fantastic. It really shows the growth and the interest the sport has with the youth of our community,” said Klaus Witzke, president of the Lethbridge Pickleball Club.
A Sport That Builds Community
While the tournament had many exciting matches, players and organizers said that friendship and connection were just as important as competition. The event brought together people of different ages and backgrounds, all sharing a love for the game.
Looking Ahead
The success of this event has inspired the organizers to think bigger. With such a strong turnout, they now hope to host a provincial or even national tournament in the future.
This weekend’s tournament was a strong sign that pickleball is growing fast in the region. It may soon bring even more players and fans to southern Alberta.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tournament in Lethbridge
Over 200 pickleball players from Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan competed in a major three-day tournament in Lethbridge from May 2 to May 4. Organized by local clubs, the event included a youth showcase and could lead to even bigger tournaments in the future.
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