Pickleball

Kingsville Pickleball Club Gives Back to the Community

Linda Lynch and Meghan Mulcaster Bolton of the Kingsville Food Bank accept the donation from Helen Dean, President of KPI. Linda thanked the members of the club stating, “It’s because of the generosity of this community that residents are able to get the help they need.” (Photo by Lynn McLaughlin)

Kingsville Pickleball Inc. (KPI) recently held its 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner at Vernon’s Tap and Grill. A major part of the evening’s program was a raffle draw, the prizes of which were generously donated by persons and businesses in our community, and beyond.

Ticket sales from this raffle totaled $1441, with the entirety of the funds being donated to the Kingsville Food Bank.

President Helen Dean shared, “Part of the mission statement of KPI is to give back to the community and Gillian Pinkney, one of our founding members and volunteers was really the impetus of making the Kingsville Food Bank the charity of our choice.”

KPI also supports the food bank in other ways through food collections and asking for canned goods as payment for tournaments, rather than fees.

During the anniversary celebration, Mayor Dennis Rogers made a special presentation to two couples – Wayne/Jude Halpert and Jules/Mary Kay, who were instrumental in establishing pickleball in 2013 in Kingsville.

Certificates were awarded by Mayor Dennis Rogers In recognition of Wayne/Jude Halpert and Jules/Mary Kay, for their contribution to establish a recreational activity enjoyed by continually increasing numbers of people in Kingsville. Councilors Sheri Lowrie, Larry Patterson, Tom Neufeld, and KPI President Helen Dean in attendance (Photo courtesy of John Ferguson).

Kingsville Pickleball was founded in 2013. Since that time, pickleball has grown in popularity worldwide. It is now recognized as one of the fastest growing sports, with participation across all age levels. KPI rode this trend, starting from humble beginnings to a current enrolment of 213 members.

In 2021 the Town of Kingsville, with financial support from KPI completed construction of eight (8) dedicated pickleball courts next to the Kingsville Arena. This facility now serves the Club and is enjoyed by members of the public at all skill levels.

New members are always welcome.

For more information visit KPI’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KingsvillePickleball

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