Players tested their skills at the pickleball workshop held on June 11 at the Weyburn Comprehensive School.
Many participants said that pickleball "was fun and good exercise at the same time - when can we play again?" The workshop was sponsored by the Southeast District Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) Committee as an opportunity for older adults to learn a new skill.
"It's easy to learn," said Margaret Gailing, SSFA provincial president. "It is a combination of ping-pong, tennis and badminton and has been enjoyed for over 45 years by people of all ages. You can pick up the game quite quickly even if you are not already familiar with tennis or other racquet or paddle sports."
The Comp has had the pickleball equipment for about five years now. They have 24 sets of wooden racquets, the only special equipment needed for the sport. The only other things required are a badminton net, raised only three feet from the floor, and tennis balls.
"While pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America, the issue of facility remains to be a problem in many communities in Saskatchewan," said Gailing.
Pickleball is a game for all ages, and is rapidly growing in Canada. Both the cities of Regina and Saskatoon have prepared outdoor courts for the game and the numbers of people who play has increased rapidly.
Gailing said that they are hoping to hold another pickleball workshop and will let the public know about the details at a later date.
