b'home town.With the help of a circleFar left: Game on! Rob Smith and oflike-mindedfriends,hespear- Anne Evans.headed the creation of the Pickleball AssociationofOntario(PAO).NotLeft: Bill Gohn was recognized in 2016 onlydidthePAOenablecommu- with an Award of Distinctionnicationamonggroupsoperating independently in various municipali-ties, it also initiated tournament play in the province just a year after its creation.The downstream e ects would be signi cant.PAOmembershiphasgrownbesympathetic and helpful, presented exponentiallysincethen,Jossays.with a formal proposal.Currently,weestimatethereareTheres de nitely a need, she 20,000 players in Ontario, and overemphasizes. Its a growing sport 150,000 nationally. almost to a professional level. its issues with pickleball facilities. among many age groups, teens to sen-Naturally, organized tournamentsJosravesaboutherexperiencePlaysorganizedthroughtheiors.And who knows how many new spawned champions, and Port Perrywith pickleball. SeniorCentre,whichouryoungerplayers we could attract with proper canboastoneofthoseaswell,JosId played racquet sports before,players cant join.So theyre forcedfacilities.In 2018, Wayne Roswell, left, was presented the PPAOs Founder Award by Jim Parrott, the current PAO President. Since then, the award is called the Wayne Roswell Award. says. shesays.Itriedpickleball,atato travel to other communities to playIts a great game for all ages.Werst Graham Hilyer is one of our mostfriends encouragement, for thein leagues.Sure, we could play at thejust need to get the word out.Pickleball(continued from page 3) agrantforequipment,andplacedtalented local players.He played intimein2010,andwasimmediatelylocalschools,butthatraisescosts,Consider it done.Port Perry, interestingly, played aanadforanorientationsessionin13 tournaments this past year, win- hooked.I enjoy the social aspect asand of course theres no air condition- For more information, email: key role in helping to expand pickle- the local paper.Today, there are 200ningamedalateachone,includ- much as I do the competition. And itsing in those buildings in the summer.portperrypickleball@gmail.com or balls reach in Ontario. recreational and competitive playersingGoldatthisyearsKingstona full workout! And unfortunately, there are no out- websites: pickleballontario.org or WayneRoswellwastheinitialin the Port Perry club. LimestoneClassic.OverthatshortIronically,consideringitsearlydoor courts in town at the moment.pickleballcanada.orgorganizer in town, Jos recalls.InButWaynewasntsatis edwithtime,hesraisedhisrankingitsleadershiproleinorganizingthePeople are frustrated.2009, he persuaded the Mayor to givesimply introducing the game to hislike a golfer reducing his handicap sport, Jos reports that Port Perry hasSo what to do? Council may wellBy Scott Mercer, Focus on ScugogWE AREPEN!!NEW! 27 holes to enjoyMike Ayres Come over to enjoy our pati o and cafePro Shop ManagerKen NelskiSti ll ti me to sign up for Mens, Ladies, Superintendent Juniors & Commuter MembershipsNEW!Website & Online BookingMeekah Limited tournament dates availableGolf Ontario Certicati on NINE & DINEMilo 905-985-22341430 King Street, Port Perry (Prince Albert)www.SunnybraeGolfClub.com4 FOCUS - MAY 2019'