YORKTON, Sask. — About 30 SaskAbilities participants had the chance to try one of Canada's fastest-growing sports this week as Pickleball Yorkton partnered with Easter Seals Saskatchewan to host a first-of-its-kind introductory event in the city.
The ParaTryIt event, held at the Gloria Hayden Community Centre, gave SaskAbilities participants the opportunity to try pickleball through demonstrations, instruction and friendly play. The initiative aims to introduce people experiencing disability to new recreational and sport opportunities.
"It's an initiative that actually started with Pickleball Canada and Easter Seals National Canada," said Deana Stroshein, community relations coordinator with SaskAbilities' Yorkton branch. "Pickleball Yorkton here in Yorkton jumped on board, and then us with SaskAbilities and Easter Seals jumped on board."
Stroshein said four volunteers from Pickleball Yorkton helped guide participants through the fundamentals of the game before wrapping up the day with a demonstration match.
"Everybody got to try it and had an absolute blast batting the ball around, learning some of the rules," she said. "The club members have been very welcoming and inviting, offering lots of tips and fun."
While some participants had previously been exposed to pickleball, for many it was their first experience with the sport.
"To a lot, this is a brand new experience, so everybody's having an absolute blast," Stroshein said.
The event was organized through a partnership involving Pickleball Canada, Easter Seals, SaskAbilities, the City of Yorkton and Pickleball Yorkton.
Gina Ressler, president of Pickleball Yorkton, said one of pickleball's biggest strengths is its accessibility and appeal across generations.
"We have anywhere from youth all the way up to 80- and 85-year-olds," Ressler said. "Pretty much a wide range of everybody can play it."
The event comes as interest in the sport continues to surge locally. Ressler said Pickleball Yorkton now has more than 200 members and continues to attract new players.
"It is growing constantly, rapidly," she said.
The club offers opportunities for both youth and adults, including its summer Little Picklers program designed to introduce children to the game.
Ressler expects participation to continue expanding as awareness of the sport grows.
The club is also preparing for its Harvest Smash Tournament on Nov. 14 and 15 at the Gallagher Centre Flexi Hall. Registration recently opened and about 140 players have already signed up.
"We are one of the largest sanctioned tournaments outside of provincial championships," Ressler said.
Stroshein said organizers hope the success of the inaugural event leads to future opportunities for SaskAbilities participants to get involved in pickleball.
"I hope so," she said when asked about hosting the event again next year. "It was really great."
