Join the pickleball craze on National Pickleball Day in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace Country Pickleball Association (PCPA) is inviting the public to discover the unique paddle sport on National Pickleball Day.

According to Pickleball Canada’s website, August 10th marks an “excellent opportunity to spread awareness of the sport” and “introduce the game to new players” nationwide.

The national body also encourages cities with local associations to organize tournaments, provide free lessons, and hold skill competitions.

Ted Euchner, president of the PCPA, says two back-to-back introductory sessions will take place at the courts at Kin Park. These will be followed by open play, which will include PCPA members squaring off with non-members. 

“How each community wants to celebrate the day is pretty open,” said Euchner. “People who have learned how to play or have dropped by one of the free Tuesday evening sessions already.” 

“We’ll group people according to their skill level and go from there.”

The PCPA is organizing the event with the City of Fort St. John’s recreation department.  

The city will also provide staff and refreshments for participants, and certified pickleball coaches will be on hand.

Euchner says weather conditions have made Tuesday evening sessions “hit or miss.”

“We’ve had smokey, windy days,” said Euchner. “We’ve had some very cool days when people have chosen not to attend.”

“On nights we have had good weather, like this week, it has been very well received.”

Prizes will be on hand for attendees. Sessions will include components of skill sets, rules, and strategy.

Created in the 1960s, Pickleball is currently played by an estimated 1.37 million people across Canada.

National Pickleball Day festivities will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 10th at Kin Park.

Visit Peace Country Pickleball or Fort St. John Recreation’s Facebook page for more details.