Local Players Represent at the Canadian National Pickleball Championships in NS

Kelli McRobert | Aug 28, 2024

Last week, Bedford, Nova Scotia welcomed 800 athletes from provinces all over Canada for the Canadian National Pickleball Championships. Each athlete arrived hoping to represent their province and win a coveted medal. Over the next five days, competitors faced off in intense battles at the Sobeys Atlantic Tennis Court complex on both indoor and outdoor courts.

Days began early, with eager athletes starting their warm-ups at 7:00 AM. Those competing outdoors faced the added challenges of wind, rain, fog, and sun, making each play unpredictable. Indoors, the warm Atlantic air hung heavy as sweaty players moved between games, hydrating, refueling, and repeating their matches in a best two out of three format, needing to win by two points. Formal referees, dressed in crisp shirts and holding clipboards, were ready to guide the players through the sanctioned events.

As the days of play grew longer, players set up mini camps courtside, ensuring all their needs were within reach. They darted between their allocated courts and designated pools, ready for each match, paddles, bottles, and towels in hand. With the rainy days behind them, the courts stayed dry and sunny, drawing spectators who lined the fences to cheer on their local teams. By mid-week, players had become familiar with both the format and the location, leading to a smoother flow of games. As each group completed their matches, they rotated off for medal presentations and photos. Friendships blossomed, turning opponents into off-court pals.

Throughout the week, players had the chance to savor local cuisine and explore downtown Halifax. They enjoyed the fresh sea air, visited local pubs, and indulged in delicious Atlantic seafood. The amazing food became a highlight, with many ‘foodies’ sharing their culinary adventures with their online followers.

Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and other tourist attractions, filled in the gaps during the off-times, and it was not long before players packed their bags, some with medals in hand, and headed back home.

Congratulations to our National medalists -you did us proud!

Brian Cann, Kingston -Gold

Ryan Hanes, Kingston -Silver

Louise Alfred, Kingston -Silver

Alison Dow, Kingston -Silver

Lorie Cooper, Harrowsmith -Silver

Kelli McRobert, Godfrey -Silver & Bronze

Andrea Blackwell, Kingston -Silver

Next year, the event should be heading somewhere west as we await the final announcement to be made. For all the results you can find them on pickleballbrackets.com

See you in 2025!