The Winkler Pickleball Tournament, held on August 24th and 25th, has been hailed as a significant success, reflecting the strong local enthusiasm for the sport. The two-day event commenced at 9 a.m. each day and concluded between 5 and 6 p.m., drawing an impressive roster of 104 participants.
Wide Appeal and Strong Local Support
The tournament’s reach extended beyond the Pembina Valley, attracting players from across Manitoba and even Thunder Bay, Ontario. Martha Bergen, one of the event organizers, expressed her pride in the local players, noting,
“I was very proud of our local players… because a lot of them haven’t played tournaments before.”
Bergen highlighted the collective effort required to make the event possible, emphasizing,
“It takes a community to run a tournament, and you could tell the community stepped up. I’m very appreciative of that.”
Community Contributions and Success
Bergen also acknowledged the crucial support from volunteers, citing Sandra Banman’s contribution as a key example. “Sandra Banman was one of our volunteers… and she went and purchased 300 bottles of water, which was a lifesaver,” Bergen said. This level of community involvement showed the tournament’s success and the strong local support behind it.
Looking Ahead
Plans are already underway for the 2025 Pickleball Tournament, though the exact date remains to be determined. The positive feedback and successful execution of this year’s event set a high bar for future tournaments, promising continued growth and enthusiasm for the sport in the region.
News in Brief: Winkler Pickleball Tournament
The Winkler Pickleball Tournament, held on August 24-25, was a significant success with 104 participants from across Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Event organizer Martha Bergen praised the local players and the community’s involvement, noting the essential contributions of volunteers like Sandra Banman, who provided 300 bottles of water.
The tournament’s success has already sparked discussions for the 2025 event, with plans still in development.
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