Williams Lake Pickleball Club Champions: Three players from the Williams Lake Pickleball Club won gold medals at the Provincial Pickleball Championships held in Vernon from July 24 to 27. Mary LeBlanc, Jorge Fedilaga, and Tracey Ofstie each won in their respective divisions among 593 participants from across the province.
Strong Performances Across Age Divisions
Mary LeBlanc secured gold in the 3.0 skill level, over-60 category. Jorge Fedilaga took top place in the 13 to 49 age group, also at the 3.0 level. Tracey Ofstie won gold in the 3.0 division for players aged 50 to 59.
In addition to their singles victories, Mary LeBlanc and Tracey Ofstie also teamed up to win gold in the 3.5 women’s doubles division, demonstrating strong teamwork and skill.
Pickleball Rating System and Club Activities
In pickleball, players are ranked from 1.0 to 6.0+ based on skill, with 1.0 for beginners and 6.0+ for elite professionals. All three Williams Lake athletes competed in the 3.0 and 3.5 brackets, showing solid mid-level ability.
The Williams Lake Pickleball Club is now getting ready to host World Pickleball Day events in partnership with the City of Williams Lake. Activities will take place indoors at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Upcoming Community Events
On Saturday, August 9, World Pickleball Day events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rink 2 of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. The event is open to all ages, and the first 40 youth who participate will receive free paddles, balls, and safety glasses.
Free lessons will be available from 10 a.m. to noon for beginners. From noon to 1 p.m., lessons will be given to those who have some experience. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., there will be free drop-in pickleball play for everyone.
Indoor Options While Courts Close
The outdoor pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park will be closed for maintenance from 7 a.m. on July 30 until 7 a.m. on July 31. However, indoor courts are available at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Rink 2 is open for drop-in pickleball on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until August 11.
Significance and What’s Next
Winning at the provincial level highlights the dedication and talent of the Williams Lake players. The upcoming World Pickleball Day events aim to introduce more people to the sport and build a stronger local community. With continued practice and support, more players from Williams Lake could follow in the footsteps of these gold medal winners.
News in Brief: Williams Lake Pickleball Club Champions
Three Williams Lake pickleball players—Mary LeBlanc, Jorge Fedilaga, and Tracey Ofstie—won gold at the Provincial Pickleball Championships in Vernon. The club will celebrate World Pickleball Day on August 9 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex with free lessons and giveaways for youth.