After a lengthy delay due to COVID-19, the Cowichan Lake Pickleball Open Tournament returned to the courts on Cowichan Avenue on July 23 and 24.
The tournament attracted 70 teams from across Vancouver Island, who competed in three events: women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
According to Cowichan Lake Pickleball Club spokesperson Debra Tatham, a wide range of skill levels and ages were represented. Each event started with a round robin, after which teams were placed into A and B categories, with winners decided in each group.
All winners received a picture of Lake Cowichan, along with a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Door prizes were awarded to players and volunteers, including gift certificates, health and wellness items, paddles and pickleball apparel. Many businesses in the Cowichan Lake area stepped up to make the tournament a possibility.
“We were overwhelmed by their support,” Tatham said.
She also lauded the volunteers who stepped up, as well as the community at large.
“Cowichan Lake Pickleball Club could not have hosted such an event if it wasn’t for our pickleball community coming together and volunteering countless hours on and off the courts to make this tournament a success,” Tatham said. “We are very appreciative of the support received from our neighbours near the pickleball courts, We also were excited to see so many visitors from the community coming out to see the games and learn more about pickleball, which is the fastest growing sport in North America.”
TOURNAMENT WINNERS
Women’s Doubles A championship
1. Heather Hood/Lori Murray
2. Diane Moncrieff/Clare MacKinnon
3. Barb Brandford/Susan Hawkes
Women’s Doubles B championship
1. Sue Newell/Glynis DiGeorgio
2. Sandra Ozero/Deb Marshall
3. Eileen Ursel/Melissa Ruel
Men’s Doubles A championship
1. Trevor Ruel/Martin Haaf
2. Rob Macdonald/Steve Hermant
3. Randy Oben/David Kim
Men’s Doubles B championship
1. Peter Kupiak/Chuck Burkett
2. Seth Baker/Darrion Campbell
3. Cam Moncrieff/Clem Smienk
Mixed Doubles A championship
1. Don Venn/Dawn Dueck
2. Martin Haaf/Michelle Guidone
3. Paul Fitzgerald/Mary Orme
Mixed Doubles B championship
1. Cam Moncrieff/Diane Moncrieff
2. Bill McKay/KathyMcKay
3. Becca Stuve/Neil Martin
SPONSORS
Level 1: Country Grocer, Countrywide Village Realty Ltd., CVRD, Jakes at the Lake, Mosaic Forest Management, Serenity Yoga at the Lake, South Shore Cabinetry, Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation
Level 2: Riverside Pub, Brickhouse Paddles
Other Prizes and Gift Certificates: Ed’s Coffee House, Little Town Pizza, Mountain Man Ice Cream, Startline Physio, Serious Coffee
For more information about the Cowichan Lake Pickle Ball Club, visit cowichanlakepickleball.ca