Pickleball in South Surrey Recreation Centre

South Surrey Recreational Centre 14601-20th Avenue, South Surrey, B.C.V4A 9P5 Phone: 604-592-6970 http://www.surrey.ca
Mon (55+)11:00-1:00pm., Tues(55+) 10:45 am - 12:45 pm
Wed (55+) 11:30-2:30 pm., Thurs (55+) 12:30-2:30 pm
Fri (55+) 12:30-2:30 pm., Wed (open) 8:15 - 9:45pm
Sun (Open) 12:30-4:00 pm

Dave, Shirley, Ken, Annette, Matt and Pat carpooled together (40 minutes drive) to play pickleball in South Surrey Recreation Centre.

South Surrey Recreation Centre has a very good system. Eight courts were divided into two gyms like ARC. In each gym, one court at the far end is marked 'A+' for A+ players, so there are two 'A+' courts. (Updated Jan 21/11 - a new notice announcing only one 'A+ court is available for eight courts). The other seven courts are for all other players.

There were about 60 players in eight courts, their line-up system is excellent that players sat down at the end of the lineups after playing a game. They certainly asked the players who did not obey the lineup system (barge in) to go back to the back of the lineup.

Players can play in any court by self-ranking but they all look like A and B players. At first we played in one gym with about 15 minutes waiting for each game. After playing for two hours, we played in the other gym with less waiting and found that those players were also excellent players. We played for almost three hour although it was supposed to be two hours play time. We had a lot of fun with very competitive games. The level of play there was very high.

It was nice to see Luba who played in our tournament last June. We met a lot of very friendly players: Len, Wilson, Cary, Harold, two Janet, Gordon, Ore, Anne and many others. We had very interesting friendly conversation with new friends we met. They asked us to come back to play soon. It was so nice to feel welcomed and we thoroughly enjoyed this experience.

Thank You, Volunteers

Thanks to Catherine and Mike for volunteering to teach new players on Wednesday 'New to Pickleball' afternoons.

Happiness tip: Volunteer at least once this month. Want to feel great about yourself? Give to others. It’s a feeling beyond anything you could get from buying something for yourself or treating yourself in any way. And it’s extremely easy to do. It will be one of the best things you’ve ever done.

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.
- Chinese proverb

USAPA - Regional Ambassadors for Canada West

We are very pleased to announce that David and Shirley Shepherd have been appointed as USAPA Regional Ambassadors for Canada West effective January 6, 2011.

Pickleball is one of Canada's fastest growing sports and we look forward to being part of the continued growth in Canada West (B.C. and Alberta).

We invite and encourage players to join USAPA as new members: http://usapa.org/memberships/index.php

Successful Mixed Round Robin Tournament

Winners of Tournament: Dave, Matt and Ganbat

Round Robin Doubles Tournament (each player played with a different partner in each game): 16 players played 6 games in two hours. Andre, Dave, Mike, Shirley, Ken, Pat, Matt, Carol, Ganbat, George, Gord, Bill, Casey, Jerry, Terry and Rhys (13 men and 3 women). Everyone enjoyed many competitive games with mostly advanced players.
Matt won the first prize ribbon and a jar of 'pickles'. Dave won the second prize ribbon. Ganbat won the third prize ribbon.
Total scores of the top 8 players:
#1 - Matt 66
#2 - Dave 62
#3 - Ganbat 61
#4 - Andre - 57
#5 - Rhys - 53
#6 - Jerry 50
#7 = George 46 tie
#7 - Terry 46 tie
#8 - Ken 45
There were an additional 16 players filling up the other four courts. Unfortunately we were unable to use both gyms for our tournament so I will arrange another round robin tournament in one or two months.

Mixed Round Robin Tournament Next Tuesday

Eight courts were full with about 30 players. There were about 7 new players. We encourage new players to come on Wednesdays to 'New to Pickleball' at 1:30 - 3:30 pm. It is much better for new players to be able to learn how to hit a ball, rally over the net several times and know the basic rules and scoring first.

We will be having a mixed round robin tournament at ARC next Tuesday Jan 11 like the one held last September with a maximum of 16 players. (please arrive at 1:20pm to sign up)

This mixed round robin tournament will use four courts, 16 players to play six to seven games. All games will be played to 11 points, the first team to score 11 points wins the game. This will help us finish in two hours by 3:30 pm. The other four courts are available for the other players. For those who are not able to play in this tournament due to a maximum of 16 players, there will be another one soon !!!

New Time Wednesdays @ ARC 'New to Pickleball'

Today we welcomed many new players to another new time at ARC: Wednesdays at 1:30 - 3:30 pm. is 'New to Pickleball' time. Mike, Catherine, Joel and I were teaching new players. Tom, Paul and his wife Joan played for the first time. Paul said "Yesterday we were watching from the walking track (upper level), the pickleball players look like very good players, so we decided to come today. I used to play paddleball years ago." Another new player's name is Betty White, she said "Not the famous one, but I wish I have her money."

Pickleball is gaining popularity because it's easy to learn and fun to play. Join in the fun, people who tried it today really enjoyed it !!!
TUESDAYS SNACKS SCHEDULE:
Jan 4 - Shirley
Jan 11 = Dave
Jan 18 - Mandy & Ken
Jan 25 - Henrietta
Feb 1 - Joan
Feb 8 - Joyce

Health Reality Check - CBC, Canada Weighs In

Feeling overweight, overworked, tired and stressed out? You're not alone, according to a new exclusive CBC poll. When asked if they're overweight, 44 per cent said yes, with seven per cent admitting to being obese. The reality is worse,66% are overweight, 7% are obese.

"Right now we have two-thirds of the Canadian population being overweight," said Arya Sharma of the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

The poll shows 56% Canadians feeling out of shape, 37% clothes not fitting, 34% consistantly fatigued. Poll also shows Canadians feel not enough time to: 37% make healthy meals, 42% exercise, 36% sleep.

CBC's 'Live Right Now' Campaign to help Canadians get in shape. Get active and 'Stepping into Fitness' - four Canadians aim for 10,000 paces a day. Playing Pickleball will help you lose weight, reduce stress, boosts energy levels, feel better and get in shape.

One Canadian said "Wow...I'm ready for the weight and exercise & healthy eating challenge. CBC is giving all Canadians a challenge. Let's go for it Canada!"

We welcome new players to our new time at ARC: 'New to Pickleball' on Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Come to learn Pickleball, it is fun, exercise and social to meet new friends !!!