Innisfail’s pickleball community gathered for the 2nd Annual Innisfail Pickleball Tournament on July 19 and 20 at the Innisfail Twin Arena. The event, also called the Weekend Extravaganza Tournament, aimed to blend competition with fun. The tournament brought together players from across central Alberta for two days of exciting pickleball action and learning.
Tournament Details and Player Experience
Organized by Ray Cimolini, a 71-year-old club coordinator and longtime player, the tournament featured 60 participants from towns including Red Deer, Lacombe, Ponoka, Olds, Gleniffer Lake, Spruce View, Pine Lake, and Edmonton. Players competed on 14 courts spread across two arenas, with courts measuring 20 by 44 feet—the standard size for pickleball.
The event welcomed all skill levels, dividing players into four groups: Division A for advanced players, B and C for intermediate players, and D for novices. A unique seeding round-robin on the first day ensured players were matched with opponents of similar skill, making the games more balanced and enjoyable.
In addition to medals, winners in each division received a large chocolate chip cookie from Divots Restaurant at the Innisfail Golf Club, adding a playful touch to the competition. Cimolini said,
“People would say, ‘Oh, was that ball in or out?’ And somebody would say, ‘Look, who cares? We’re only playing for a cookie.’”
Learning and Community at the Heart of the Extravaganza
Beyond matches, the Weekend Extravaganza offered lessons, drills, and clinics led by certified instructors. Advanced players received coaching from Kevin Grahl and the Didsbury and District Pickleball Club members. Intermediate players learned from Larry Bisschop, Jamie Phillips, Dave Quigley, and Lynn Grahl, while novices were guided by Gabriel Chicoine. Red Deer osteopath Kerry Chasse also provided instruction on fitness and stretching to help players prevent injuries.
Ray Cimolini said,
“To call it just a tournament is an understatement. It was bigger and better than just a pickleball tournament.”
The Rise of Pickleball in Innisfail and Beyond
Pickleball, similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with less running, has become one of North America’s fastest-growing sports. Its low equipment cost and easy rules attract players of all ages. Cimolini explained,
“Any age can play it, and you can also play against any age.”
The event’s success reflects growing interest in pickleball across Alberta and shows how sport and community spirit go hand in hand.
News in Brief: Innisfail Pickleball Tournament
The 2nd Annual Innisfail Pickleball Weekend Extravaganza took place on July 19-20 at the Innisfail Twin Arena, drawing 60 players from central Alberta. The event featured competitive play, clinics, and fun awards like giant cookies, promoting pickleball as a sport for all ages and skill levels.
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