Comox Recreation Centre and the Comox Valley Pickleball Association hosted a one-day tournament on June 11.
Twenty-seven teams, with players from all over the Island (including Victoria, Campbell River, Black Creek and the Comox Valley), were involved in the men’s and ladies’ doubles and mixed doubles round-robin format.
At 8 a.m. participants and spectators were greeted with a selection of fruit, baked goods and coffee thanks to Carol Bissel, Jenny Kennedy and Don Catling.
Men’s and ladies’ doubles started the tournament and excellent play was enjoyed by all. Locals Joe McNeil and Mike Chatwin beat out Bob Fish and Bob Harrison of Victoria in the men’s final. On the ladies’ side, Beverly DeHaitre and Kerry Savery from Victoria edged Comox Valley’s Deborah Houston and Colleen Crowder.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch break buffet and as many players were also in the mixed doubles, this nutritious repast was most welcome.
With 12 teams playing in three round-robin groups, there was plenty of action for the many spectators to enjoy.
Three teams went into the final rounds: Gwen Chew and Terry Glowczynski (Victoria), Colleen Crowder and Rod Hamilton (Black Creek/Comox) and Deborah Houston and Kurt Nielsen (Comox).
These teams battled it out, much to the enjoyment of an enthusiastic audience, and eventually Chew and Glowczynski prevailed with Crowder and Hamilton runners-up.
Winners in all categories were presented with awards from Hot Chocolates. The tourney was deemed a success by participants and organizers alike, and CVPA president Steve Chambers thanked everyone who contributed to such a great day of top-level play.
BASELINES Tournament co-ordinators Tom Wilson and Bev Fletcher, with the assistance of Comox Recreation supervisor Ted Hagmeier, organized this tournament for advanced players…Doug Taylor did an excellent job of refereeing the finals…pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in North America…with over 250 players in the Comox Valley and various venues offering a wide selection of playing opportunities, people of all skill levels are becoming involved…
