The University 0f Victoria will host its first ever doubles-format women’s pickleball tournament, one of three tournaments held by the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association.
On Saturday (April 13), 125 women will take part in the Berwick UVic Women’s Pickleball Tournament at the university’s CARSA field house.
“This event brings together a wide range of ages coming together for a first-time tournament experience for many participants,” Jason Wright, UVic Vikes recreation programmer, said in a news release. “As we prepare for our summer camp season it is a wonderful reminder to nurture the kid who plays in all of us, whether you are eight, 38, 58 or 88.”
According to the release, the pickleball association conducted a survey of their female membership and found the majority didn’t enter tournaments, in which 70 per cent of registrants are male, because they felt intimidated.
Teams of two will be playing at a beginner and intermediate level and will be divided into three different skill brackets ranging in age from 23 to 88 years old.
Penny Goldrick, the oldest competitor to compete at 88 years old, said, said she played competitive tennis for more than 70 years, representing Canada in competitions.
“Then during the early days of [COVID-19], my tennis friends and I formed a group to play pickleball outside during the winter. We instantly loved pickleball because people who have never played racquet sports or any sport can take it up quite easily. For me, it is much more inclusive than tennis.”
The one-day event will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 15.
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