June 14, 2010

First Outdoor Pickleball Courts Ready for Action

Kamloops, B.C. - On Thursday, June 10th, representatives from the City, Pickleball Kamloops and Pickleball Canada will be on hand at McDonald Park to officially open the first outdoor pickleball courts in Kamloops.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports among the active aging 50+ group which combines the elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Pickleball is beginning to emerge as a recognized event in many provinces' Senior Games. Here in Kamloops, a Pickleball Club has been established since the fall of 2008 with 38 members and the club is still growing.

The new outdoor courts will be a welcome addition to the currently used indoor courts at the Boys & Girls Club on McArthur Island. The courts at McDonald Park were made possible by a generous donation from the Kamloops Blazers Foundation, the City of Kamloops and the hard work and dedication of the Kamloops Pickleball Club members.

The grand opening of the courts will take place at 1:00 p.m.; afterwards, club members will provide an opportunity for interested players to try out the sport of Pickleball. Prior to the opening, 12 members of the Kamloops Pickleball Club will be certified as coaches during a session facilitated by Chuck LeFaive, Director of Pickleball Canada.

The public and media are invited to attend the opening, as well as, have the opportunity to participate in the game of Pickleball.

For more information on Pickleball Canada, visit www.pickleballcanada.org.

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Media Contact:
KJ Klontz, Sport Development Coordinator
City of Kamloops
250-828-3536
kklontz@kamloops.ca