left to right; Donna, Tony, Ivy, Stanley, and Wayne on the parade route
This was the first year that Pickleball joined the list of activities that the Markham Recreation Department show cases at the Unionville Festival Parade. The Unionville Festival celebrated the 40th anniversary of its annual event this year and since Pickleball is now in its forties, it seems appropriate that it was part of this celebration. The two day event starts with a parade of all the groups, activities, and special
services that exist in the City of Markham.The Markham Recreation Department uses this event to highlight the many activities offered by their department. Since Pickleball has just recently joined that list, Pickleballers participated in the parade and set up a demo court in the curling club parking lot to show the sport in action and then have all ages join in on the action.
Although we had to compete with Play Station, the Official Toronto Maple Leaf Special Events Caravan, and the Wilson "Win A Basketball Competition", there was a lot of interest in this new sport with the weird name.
Although you can describe the game in words, show pictures, and post videos, the best way to promote Pickleball by far, is to show the game and then let people actually play. Players played as spectators watched for a few minutes and then invited the observers to play. Kayla from the Play Station booth came over on her break to join in the fun. As you can see by this photo, she is a natural for the game.There was a great interest by the younger crowd which is what we really wanted. Despite Play Station next door, the younger group wanted to run around and have fun. Of course parents were dragged along to
join in or watch. China demonstrates her leftie forehand in a perfect swing while dad, David, backs her up. Who says kids can't play this game! David said, "we try to expose China to as many opportunities as we can and then let her chose which ones she wants to participate in."What a sensible approach! If your son or daughter likes the activity, they will continue to play the game. In the case of Pickleball, that could be for the rest of their life. I observed that kids as young as 8 and 9 were able to play the game in a very short time. Parents all made comment on how great the game was and they wished it were in schools. There could be a lot of teachers in the Markham area being asked if they could introduce Pickleball, Monday morning.
Leanne, a York physical education teacher dropped by to play. After a game, she said, "how do I find out more about this game. How do I get this equipment. I want to get this game in my school. Since gym space is a premium, I could set this up in our school parking lot" As I handed her my card, I thought this has all been worth the effort. Just this one teacher finding out about Pickleball and seeing how great a game it could be for all her students makes this day all the more worth while.
As the day wound down, a couple of young gentlemen dropped by that had very obviously played racquet sports. After playing a game partnered with experienced players, they had the rules down and the game in hand, so they thought. The challenge was issued, the young against the old. Well, we old guys know how that unfolded.
The one lad said as I looked skyward at him, "this game isn't as easy as it looks. You guys sure taught us a lesson." He was being polite to me since I hadn't played. However, the ancient picklers had to admit that if these young lads played several games and with a little coaching, we would be eating humble pie.
In case any readers want to do a similar demo at an event in their home town, here are the supplies for the portable court you see below.
. 6 feet of 4" PCV, located in a dumpster on a building lot. Price free.
. one 30 kg bag of premixed concrete, broken bag, reduced 50%, at Home Depot. Price $2.00
. two eye bolts. Cost $3.00
. one backyard combination badminton, volley ball and now Pickleball set from CTC. Price $14.95
. two used plastic flower containers. Price free.
. one role of 1/2 painters tape. Price $3.95
. old balls from Florida. Price free
Total cost under $25. Future demos will only require another role of tape.
Demo court courtesy of Pickleball Promoter
Parents help their kids enjoy Pickleball
Thanks to the Milliken and Armadale Picklers for assisting Tony and I in making this event happen. As all Pickleballers, we enjoy this great game and we want others to find out what great exercise and fun it is. Special thanks to Nancy Letman for making the arrangements.
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