Pickleball smacks into Redcliff

By: Justin Seward

The sport of pickleball was introduced this past summer in Redcliff at a local tennis court, starting with six players, and now has grown to over 20 players to kick-off the winter sessions, which will begin on Jan.15.
Pickleball is a sport that combines table tennis and badminton, where singles or doubles matches can be played and a big wiffle ball is served back and forth with a racquet across the net to earn points.
“I played it and thought it was a fun, real easy game,” said Gail Gee, Redcliff’s pickleball organizer, referring to how she got the game started in the town.
“I thought well it would be kind of cool to start it out in Redcliff.  So I started putting some ads out, got a few people coming and started getting more and more all the time.”
Gee added that the sport is for any age, however, the sessions have seen mostly people aged 40 and up.  Additionally, pickleball benefits the older players because the sport keeps them active and it’s a great way to meet people.
“They’re hooked,” said Gee.
“Everyone that’s come and tried it, the next time they come, they’ve already bought their own paddle.”
She said the benefits for the older players is that it keeps them active and to have fun.
The sessions will run on Sundays starting on Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parkside School Gym in Redcliff.
Memberships are $10 for the year and can be paid at the Town of Redcliff office and paddles will be provided for the players to try it out.