Our time on the executive board of the Grande Prairie Pickleball Club, was marked by tremendous growth, achievement, and community spirit within the sport of pickleball. (2021/2022)

Together, we worked hard to build not only a stronger club but also a more inclusive and dynamic pickleball community in Grande Prairie. 

During this term, the club made a few advancements to support both current and future growth. We purchased a seacan to provide secure and accessible storage for nets and other equipment, a much needed investment that improved daily operations. 

For the first time in the club’s history, we also brought in sponsorships, partnering with local businesses to raise funds that supported our programming, facility needs, and outreach efforts. This milestone not only helped ease financial pressures but also deepened our connections within the broader community. 

One of our proudest achievements was introducing pickleball to local youth through school programs. With the help of passionate club volunteers, we brought the sport to the students, giving hundreds their first experience with pickleball and planting the seeds for the next generation of players. 

The club saw steady growth in membership during our term, demonstrating the increasing popularity of the sport in Grande Prairie and the welcoming environment fostered by our community.

We successfully hosted a Pickleball Brackets non sanctioned tournament and held regular Friday evening round robin socials, encouraging participation from players of all skill levels. These events not only strengthened our club but also helped raise our profile within the regional pickleball community. 

We supported the development of players through skill sessions, clinics, and some organized play, helping both newcomers and experienced players grow in confidence and ability. 

We also kickstarted the Junior Youth Program. In recognition of our commitment to junior programming, Pickleball Alberta awarded the Grande Prairie Pickleball Club 8 Manta Canuck Pro paddles during the Medicine Hat Provincials. This generous contribution supports our ability to continue growing the sport at the grassroots level and was a proud moment for our club on the provincial stage. 

We also formalized the club’s identity with the creation of an official logo. The original concept was drafted by local Beaverlodge artist Wendy Lepchuk, whose creative vision captured the spirit of the club. We then worked with Vistaprint to refine the design resulting in the logo we proudly use today. 

This marked an important milestone in the club’s growth and visibility. 

Our successes were made possible by the incredible dedication of club volunteers.  Whether it was assisting with school programs, setting up events, or helping with daily operations, our volunteers embodied the heart of the club.