The second annual Summer Solstice Pickleball tournament was a resounding success last weekend.
Organized by the Winkler Pickleball Association, the event at the Lion Fred Rietze Memorial Park courts had 94 registered teams—way up from the 54 who came out last year.
Due to rain Sunday afternoon, only 79 teams got the chance to square off in the women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles competition, but it was still a great weekend, shared organizer Martha Bergen.
“Interest in pickleball is huge and it’s growing exponentially,” she said. “We’ll have more teams next year, I’m very sure of it.
“We’ve had nothing but positive feedback,” Bergen added, noting participants sang the praises of the beauty of Winkler and the kindness of everyone they encountered while here. “Everybody says they’re coming back.”
Bergen sends thanks out to the team of volunteers who made it all happen.
“We have the best volunteers ever. We can’t do it without them.”
Competitors came from all across Southern Manitoba and represented a range of ages and skill levels.
One of the highlights of the sport is just how welcoming everyone is, Bergen said.
“It’s 100 per cent a community,” she said. “I can step on the court anywhere and you’re immediately a part of that group.
“Winkler is so incredibly welcoming to new players and to players from out of town,” Bergen said, sharing they often welcome people travelling through the community to the courts.
The Winkler association plays Monday and Wednesday evenings outdoors through the summer months. Participation is free.
“Very often on a Monday you’ll see 30 people there,” Bergen said. “We have intermediate, advanced on the south side of the courts and the beginners on the north side.”
Whatever your skill level, you’re welcome to come out and give pickleball a try, she stressed.
Come fall, the organized leagues will start up. You can follow the Winkler Pickleball Association on social media for registration details in the months ahead.
