Lacombe Pickleball Club members are excited to be hosting a tournament coming up on May 5th at Burman University.
“We are just about to celebrate a year into our operations,” said Susan MacDonald, one of the club’s directors, adding that this particular event is for members only.
The registration deadline is April 28.
“It’s also a fun way to end our indoor season where we’ve been playing in gyms, as pretty soon people will want to be outside,” she said.
The club has also named the tournament in honour of one of its founders who passed away recently— Phyllis Obst.
In fact, the official name of the tournament is the Phyllis Obst Lacombe Pickleball Annual Members-Only Tournament.
“She was very passionate about pickleball. Like many of us, she had just started playing pickleball over the last year and a half,” said MacDonald.
“She loved it. And she was very involved with the club and helped with so many things.
“Phyllis was a very friendly and outgoing person — she always had a smile on her face. She would also always help new people who were learning the game, too. She was a very gifted person.
“We will certainly miss her.”
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, and that sense of enthusiasm has certainly caught on in Lacombe, with the group now having about 200 members.
“It’s a game that is easy to pick up as far as skills go, and people of all ages can do it,” explained MacDonald. “It’s fun and it’s easy to learn. It’s also very social, so you can meet lots of new people.
“It’s also good exercise!”
Marilyn Maloney, the club’s secretary, agreed.
“It’s also very inexpensive. All you need is a pair of running shoes and a paddle.”
Through the winter months, the club utilizes courts at Burman University, along with JS McCormick School in town.
In the warmer months, they play in various spots around the city, including near the local high school.
“Up until now, our programs have been focused on adults, unless we are having an event that is focused on all ages. But in the fall, we will be working on developing a youth program,” said MacDonald, who also pointed out that as a competitive person, she has always enjoyed sports.
“I love the physical part of pickleball and the camaraderie. I’m a runner as well, so lots of times I’m out there running all by myself. I had thought about how I needed to do something more social, too.
“It’s also just so much fun! And you can compete at all kinds of different levels.”
Maloney said she loves the exercise part of it.
“I also love the people who play pickleball. They are 100 percent friendly and fun people. And I love the fact that you can also play it wherever you go.
“It’s easy to teach the game to new people, too.”
Looking ahead, the club will be hosting its annual general meeting on May 28 at Wolf Creek Community Church.
Things get underway at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
To learn more about the Lacombe Pickleball Club, or to register for the upcoming tournament, visit pickleballcanada.org/club/LPC or by email at info@lacombepickleball.org.