North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament
North Shore Pickleball, Creating Memories and Positive Relationships
On July 24, 2024 pickleball players from Blind River, Elliot Lake, Espanola and Thessalon, gathered in Blind River for the inaugural North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament. This was a team event, designed loosely on the professional team events that are gaining popularity in the United States. Although competition was on every participant’s mind, the focus of this gathering was to further positive relationships amongst the four pickleball clubs.
Tournament organizers conceived of such an event to help bring players together from neighbouring clubs. In small Northern Ontario Pickleball Clubs with memberships ranging between 50 and 100 players, it is very difficult to find appropriate skill level competition for all players. This tournament was created to encourage people who are hesitant to participate in competitions such as the Ontario Championship series of events, the opportunity to play against people of a similar skill level.
All four Pickleball Clubs fielded a team of 16 players who were ranked according to ability. Each partnership competed against similar skilled opponents from the other three clubs. Points for wins and ties were recorded, as well as final game scores. The Espanola Pickleball Club was the winner, recording 21 victories out of a total of 24 games.
All participants enjoyed a meal and received prizes. Upon reflection, the true winner of the day was every player from all four clubs. Emails and phone numbers were exchanged amongst many players, with the promise of future “Play Dates”.
Thank you to my fellow executive members, Linda, Debbie, Peter, and Helen for all their dedication in making this tournament special for all participants. To all the volunteers and players who made the Inaugural North Shore Invitational Pickleball Tournament a success, thank you.
The Blind River Pickleball Club would like to thank our sponsors: RBCDS Cloutier Wealth Management Team and the Royal Bank. We wish to also acknowledge and thank
- Cameco Corporation
- A & W
- Kwik-way
- Seventeen Restaurant
- Berthelot Insurance
- The Red Apple
- M.T. Talent Solutions
- Blind River Home Hardware
- Pier 17 Restaurant
- Broken Canoe
- Subway
- Mitchell Pharmacy
- Valumart
- My-T-Fresh Apparel
- Milltown Motors
Without your support, this tournament would not be the success it was.
