Recreational Pickleball Arrives in Weyburn: Elevation Athletics, a not-for-profit sports and recreation organization, is set to introduce a recreational pickleball league in Weyburn. The initiative targets smaller communities, often overlooked in terms of recreational opportunities. The organization, led by Director Justin Mitchell, aims to bring pickleball to these areas, providing local training to facilitate and sustain the pickleball programs.
Focus on Community Engagement
Mitchell explains the organization’s approach: “People want to stay in their townships and play their sports. They don’t want to always have to travel to a bigger city, 30, 40, (minutes) maybe even an hour away. So, what we started doing is we started going to these small locations on the outside of places.” Elevation Athletics emphasizes the importance of recreational sports in fostering social connections and making physical activity more accessible.
Inclusivity of Pickleball
Mitchell highlights pickleball’s broad appeal: “You can be any size you want and still play efficiently. You can be as old as you want and play efficiently, as young as you want and play efficiently. I think it’s one of the only sports that is multi-generational that people can truly play from five, six years old, all the way up to I’ve seen a 93-year-old playing pickleball.” The league will offer various levels, including learn-to-play, beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups.
Implementation and Timeline
Elevation Athletics will gauge interest through a Facebook group before launching the program. “As soon as a group hits 20 people, we then say, okay, this is a viable option. So our next offering now is we’re registering our not-for-profit name in Saskatchewan at the moment. And then once that’s fully registered, it doesn’t take too long at all. We then start looking for permits.”
The organization plans to secure a local school gymnasium and, depending on participant numbers, appoint a coordinator and coach. Mitchell anticipates the program will commence by January, with potential for an earlier start if the community response is strong.
News in Brief : Recreational Pickleball Arrives in Weyburn
Elevation Athletics is launching a recreational pickleball league in Weyburn, focusing on smaller communities often lacking in recreational options. Director Justin Mitchell emphasizes the accessibility of pickleball for all ages and abilities. The program will offer multiple skill levels and is set to begin by January, pending community interest and registration. Elevation will use a local school gym and seek permits as part of its implementation strategy.
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