Thanks to all Registrants for July 9 Tournament

Abbotsford 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament
July 9, 2011. 8:30 am - 5 pm.
Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, B.C.

Thanks to all registrants for our July 9 Pickleball Tournament. Players from all over B.C. including Kelowna, Nanaimo, Ladner, Richmond, Chilliwack, South Surrey have registered. Because of the mail strike, players had to fax in or call ARC to register. I was busy with 'partner search' and lined up partners for about 16 players. We could not accept any more players for Mixed Doubles 55+ because it is full with a maximum of 32 players. The overall number of players have increased this year. Players ages range from 18 to 80. This year there are more younger players, the number of players in Mixed Doubles Under 55 have doubled, two players are 18 years old. The tournament is Double Elimination format. There will be medals for winners, draw prizes and lots of competition and fun !!!

Players should make sure they are there on time to register and be ready to play by 8:30 am. There will be a brief rules meeting ten minutes beforehand. The first group to play will be Mixed Doubles 55+ with 16 teams on 8 courts at 8:30 am. We look forward to seeing you all on July 9 !!!

International Federation of Pickleball (IFP)

Bill Booth, President, USAPA
The USAPA is pleased to welcome Pickleball Canada to the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) that was initially founded by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the USAPA.

The IFP was organized to perpetuate the growth and advancement of pickleball throughout the world. The member organizations representing their respective countries have agreed to conduct the business of the IFP in conformance to the Constitution and Bylaws of the IFP. Member organizations also support the International Rules of Pickleball. The IFP website, http://ipickleball.org/, was established in April 2010.

The international rules were adapted from the rules of the USAPA that were first published in March 1984 and include all revisions to date. The next published version of the rulebook will contain IFP rules and replace the current USAPA version.

The three member organizations are currently the only organizations that are the governing bodies of the sport in their respective countries. Pickleball is played in other countries, but the sport has not developed in any of those countries to the point where a formal organization exists. That will change as the sport continues to grow.

The IFP sets the stage for all countries to join in future international competition with a common set of rules.

Gym Closures June 23 - July 3

ARC's gym 1 and gym 2 will be closed for floor resurfacing from June 23 at 5 pm to July 3. It looks like there will be pickleball on Thursday June 23 since the gyms are closed at 5 pm. The gyms will be open on Monday July 4.

Canada Post Strike - Tournament Registration Deadline June 20

Due to the Canada Post strike, there may be some disruption in mail delivery across Canada. Please call ARC 604-853-4221 to register for July 9 Abbotsford Pickleball Tournament. Credit card can be used as payment. The deadline to register is June 20. Please register before it is full !!!

Certificate of Thanks from Simonds School, Langley, B.C.

Dave, Shirley and Mike Shepherd gave 18 hours of free Pickleball instructions at Simonds Elementary School in Langley, B.C. on June 8, 2011.

Volunteer Pickleball Instructions at Langley School

Pickleball Canada volunteers Dave, Shirley and Mike Shepherd gave 18 hours of free Pickleball instructions at Simonds Elementary School in Langley, B.C. We taught 4 P.E. classes to about 120 students, grade 5-7. The school has the pickleball equipments and they lowered the badminton nets. The students and teachers were very happy to learn how to play pickleball. At first the students could hardly hit the ball, but after one and a half hours, they were even rallying, laughing and having a great time!!! Two teachers play tennis so they were excellent at it and we even played a game with them during the lunch hour. It was a very satisfying experience for us to see them learning this new game of Pickleball and enjoying it!!!

Abbotsford Pickleball Tournament July 9, 2011, Registration Deadline June 20, 2011

Abbotsford Pickleball Tournament at ARC on July 9, 2011

About 45 players from all over B.C. have already registered. Your registration form and payment must be received by the deadline June 20, 2011 to Sara Wood, Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7R3.

If you are mailing in your registration form and payment, please mail it at least one week before the deadline date of June 20. Hurry to register before it is full!!!

If you have any question, please CONTACT US: abbotsfordpickleball@shaw.ca