Hundreds of athletes are swinging their paddles this weekend as players prepare to compete in the fastest growing sport in Canada.
Pickleball is often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
This weekend, Warman Home Center Communiplex is home to the sixth annual Saskatchewan Provincial Pickleball Tournament.
Cathy Uherski learned pickleball during the pandemic shutdowns and hasn’t looked back.
“Some people told me what it was, so I tried it and loved it from day one,” Uherski said. “It’s not just the exercise. It’s the social aspect, the challenge, only good things that come out of pickleball for sure.”
According to the Sports and Fitness Association, pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, becoming the fastest growing sport in the country.
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Tournament director Brent Cooper says he is delighted with its growth, with the fastest growing 18-34 demographic.
“Initially it was more of the 50+ crowd, but now we’re seeing an increase in younger players,” Cooper said. “Which is really exciting because the older ones won’t be able to play forever.”
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Residents are encouraged to come and watch the games as it is free to the public. The tournament concludes on Sunday.
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Provincial Championships to Kick Off Saskatchewan’s Busy Pickleball Summer
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2023-06-11 00:43:48
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