Tag Archive for: pickleball

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Discover FOCUS: How Pickleball at DUPRXpress Helps Global Humanitarian Efforts

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

At IPOP, we believe in combining the joy of pickleball with opportunities to give back. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) as one of the proud sponsors of our upcoming DUPRXpress Round-Robin. FOCUS’s mission to provide disaster relief and long-term recovery aligns perfectly with our goal of building inclusive communities, both on and off the court.

Focus Humanitarian (FOCUS)

Focus Humanitarian (FOCUS)

What is Focus Humanitarian Assistance?

Founded in 1994 by the Aga Khan Development Network, FOCUS assists marginalized communities in becoming more resilient to both natural and artificial disasters. Their work centers on preparedness and prevention, emergency relief and recovery, and rebuilding and resettlement after crises.

As Moez Janmohamed, IPOP co-founder and long-time FOCUS supporter, explains, “FOCUS was created to help the world’s most vulnerable communities not just recover but rebuild sustainably.”

FOCUS focuses on three main areas to assist people in need.

FOCUS focuses on three main areas to assist people in need.

The Ismaili Connection

FOCUS’s mission is deeply rooted in the Ismaili Muslim community’s values, which emphasize service (known as seva) and compassionate action. Moez shares, “As Ismailis, we are encouraged to assist those around us to improve their quality of life, especially in marginalized communities.” This ethos of helping others, regardless of background, drives FOCUS’s global efforts.

Moez recalls how and why he became a FOCUSStar in 1994, committing to regular donations to support the cause. “Over 90% of funds donated go directly to the cause,” he adds, highlighting FOCUS’s commitment to ensuring donations make a real impact.

The Ismaili's try to assist people in need and improve the quality of life for others.

The Ismailis try to assist people in need and improve the quality of life for others.

FOCUS’s Impact Around the World

From Tajikistan’s mountains to Pakistan’s flood-stricken regions, FOCUS has made a global difference. During the 2022 floods in Pakistan, for instance, FOCUS worked with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to evacuate over 8,000 people and provide essential supplies.

FOCUS also emphasizes disaster prevention and public education. In Canada, they’ve raised awareness through emergency preparedness kit checklists, one of which we’ll have on display at the DUPRXpress Round-Robin!

In addition, through the Ready When the Time Comes program, FOCUS has trained hundreds of volunteers in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to respond to crises like wildfires and floods.

FOCUS offers a free emergency preparedness kit checklist.

FOCUS offers a free emergency preparedness kit checklist.

Why FOCUS’s Work is So Important

Disasters—both natural and man-made—are becoming more frequent and severe, with the most vulnerable communities suffering the most. As Moez notes, “Natural disasters due to climate change are one of the leading causes of suffering worldwide.”

FOCUS alleviates this suffering by providing immediate relief and long-term recovery. They also offer mental health support, youth mentorship, and skill-building initiatives to help communities rebuild stronger. “FOCUS isn’t just about handing out supplies,” Moez says. “It’s about restoring lives and building sustainable resilience.”

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

Supporting FOCUS Through the DUPRXpress Round-Robin

Just like FOCUS is more than handing out supplies, the DUPRXpress Round-Robin isn’t only about pickleball—it’s about giving back. A portion of the Round-robin’s proceeds will support Focus Humanitarian Assistance and its vital work. “Pickleball is an inclusive sport, and inclusivity is one of FOCUS’s core values,” Moez explains. “This partnership made perfect sense.”

Join us at Robert Burnaby Park on Saturday, September 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for fun, great food, and amazing pickleball action. 

A huge thank you to everyone who signed up for the DUPRXpress Round-Robin—we’re officially sold out! Over 60 players signed up to join IPOPs DUPR club and play mixed doubles games to get their official DUPR number. It’s going to be a fun, competitive, great day!

Even if you didn’t secure a spot, you can still be part of the excitement by cheering on the players and enjoying some delicious BBQ.

Plus, you can learn how to warm up properly and prevent injury from Andrea Conti, an elite personal trainer at Sandcastle 24hr Fitness Club, so you can keep playing pickleball for years to come! He’ll be on at 8:30 a.m., and then the pickleball action starts at 9:00 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

A Worthy Cause Deserving Your Support

Can’t make it to the event but would like to help out FOCUS’ worthy causes? You can support FOCUS by donating directly here. Every bit helps communities rebuild and become more resilient.

FOCUS is more than just an organization—it’s a lifeline for communities devastated by disasters. As Moez emphasizes, “The satisfaction of helping rebuild lives is indescribable. You can experience that too by supporting FOCUS and becoming part of the change.”

Donate to Focus Humanitarian to help.

Donate to Focus Humanitarian to help.

Whether you’re playing in the Round-robin or cheering from the sidelines, your involvement supports a cause that’s changing lives. Together, we can rally to support FOCUS and make a real difference in the world.

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Get Ready to Play: Meet Andrea Conti, Your Pickleball Warm-Up Expert!

Andrea Conti - Personal trainer and leading DUPRXpress warm up.

Pickleball is all about fun, fitness, staying healthy, and friendly competition, but did you know that a proper warm-up is critical to keeping you injury-free in the game? That’s where Andrea Conti comes in!

Andrea is a certified personal trainer who will ensure that all players at the upcoming DUPRXpress Round-Robin are primed and ready to play their best and get their DUPR rankings (by the way, if you don’t have your DUPR ranking yet, you should get one).

Even if you’re not playing in the Round-robin on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., we encourage everyone to show up at 8:30 a.m. to learn from the best how to warm up properly and avoid injury.

Before we get into some tips from Andrea, let’s get to know him a bit.

Meet Andrea Conti, Your Pickleball Warm-Up Expert

Andrea Conti - Personal trainer and leading DUPRXpress warm up.

Andrea Conti is a personal trainer and is leading the DUPRXpress warm-up.

Andrea Conti is no stranger to helping athletes get ready for action. As a seasoned personal trainer at Sandcastle 24hr Fitness Club, he’s all about keeping people fit, strong, and injury-free.

His philosophy? Movement is medicine, and warming up is the prescription!

Andrea Conti is the perfect person to get everyone game-ready for the DUPRXpress Round-Robin Tournament and tell you how to prevent pickleball injuries by warming up properly.

Here’s why:

  • Expert Credentials: Andrea holds a BA in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Florence. He’s also pursuing a Bachelor’s in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) at Setanta College.
  • Diverse Experience: With a lifelong background in sports like soccer, combat sports, and strength training, Andrea knows how to prepare your body for performance.
  • Specialized Certifications: He’s a Canfitpro PRO Trainer, a Functional Movement Assessment Specialist, and a Combat Sports Strength and Conditioning Coach, meaning he’s trained to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
  • Proven Methods: Andrea’s warm-up routines are designed to get your muscles ready, improve flexibility, and protect you from common pickleball injuries like pickleball elbow and ankle sprains.

With Andrea leading your warm-up, you’re in expert hands, ensuring you’re ready to play your best while staying injury-free!

Sandcastle 24 hr Fitness Club

Sandcastle 24HR Fitness Club

Why Warm-Ups Matter: Avoiding Common Pickleball Injuries

You might think pickleball is a low-impact sport, but don’t let its casual nature fool you. With quick movements, fast direction changes, and all that swinging, injuries can happen if you’re not prepared.

According to Andrea, warming up is especially crucial for players aged 40 and older.

He explains, “Warming up is essential because it helps increase blood flow, improves joint mobility, and primes muscles for action. For players aged 40 and older, this becomes even more critical as the body becomes less flexible, and muscles and tendons are more prone to injury.”

Some common injuries include:

  • Pickleball Elbow: Similar to tennis elbow, it comes from repetitive swinging motions.
  • Wrist and Shoulder Strains: Those quick reactions can take a toll on your upper body.
  • Ankle Sprains and Knee Injuries: Sudden stops and starts can lead to tricky landings.
  • Lower Back Pain: Overstretching or awkward movements can cause strains.

But guess what? You can avoid these injuries with a proper warm-up to help you loosen up, boost your range of motion, and prep those muscles for action. Plus, the more you warm up and stretch before pickleball, the less chance of injury and the longer you can play.

Targeting the Right Areas

So, what should you focus on during your warm-up? Andrea recommends paying special attention to the shoulders, wrists, hips, and knees, as these joints undergo repetitive motions during play.

“Dynamic stretching and mobility work for the upper body, particularly shoulder and trunk rotations, along with lower body exercises targeting the hips and knees, are crucial to prepare for the sudden changes in direction and quick movements involved in pickleball,” he says.

Lunges help warm up the legs, knees, and groin.

Lunges help warm up the legs, knees, and groin.

Andrea’s Game-Ready Warm-Up Routine

What makes Andrea’s approach different?

“My approach incorporates joint-specific mobility, soft tissue work, and muscle activation in a structured manner,” Andrea shares. By addressing muscle imbalances and poor joint function, his warm-up routines help prevent overuse injuries, keeping players at their best on the court.

Andrea’s warm-up isn’t just effective—it’s fun! Here’s what you can expect when you hit the court with him:

1. Dynamic Stretching

Say goodbye to static stretching and hello to movement! Andrea will guide you through exercises like arm circles, lunges, leg swings, and torso twists to get your body moving in all the right ways.

2. Cardiovascular Warm-Up

Before you dive into the game, Andrea will help you raise your heart rate with some light cardio, including jogging in place and jumping jacks. This will increase your blood flow and keep your muscles warm.

3. Pickleball-Specific Movements

Andrea knows that preparation for pickleball is unique, so he’ll have you do shadow swings, side-to-side shuffles, and quick directional changes. These mimic the movements you’ll use on the court, so your body will be ready during game time.

4. Gradually Building Intensity

Finally, it’s time to ease into the game with some light rallies. You’ll slowly increase intensity so that you’re ready to play at your peak by the time the tournament starts!

A Quick Tip for Players

Andrea also has a quick tip for players looking to improve their game: “Add a dynamic stretch called the ‘Spiderman lunge.’ This targets multiple muscle groups, improving hip mobility, thoracic rotation, and coordination—key areas for pickleball players,” he advises. Incorporating this into your warm-up will help you move more freely on the court.

The Spiderman Lunge

The Spiderman Lunge

Get Fit for Pickleball with PickleFit at Sandcastle Fitness

Want to take your pickleball game to the next level while preventing injuries?

Look no further than Sandcastle 24hr Fitness Club, the official home of the world’s ONLY exclusive Pickleball Fitness & Injury Prevention Coaching Program—PickleFit.

PickleFit!

PickleFit!

Designed specifically for players aged 40+, this 6-week program includes:

  • Personal Training Sessions tailored to your needs
  • A Customized Workout Program to boost strength and agility
  • Injury & Pain Prevention Exercises with access to a full video library
  • Injury-Reducing Court-Side Warmup Videos to keep you ready for the game

Andrea highlights that the PickleFit program combines functional strength training, mobility drills, and cardiovascular conditioning explicitly tailored to the demands of pickleball. “PickleFit focuses on improving players’ strength, balance, and coordination while also addressing injury prevention through targeted joint mobility and muscle activation exercises,” he explains.

Whether you’re new to pickleball or a seasoned player, PickleFit helps you stay strong, prevent injuries, and improve your overall performance. Don’t miss out on this game-changing program at Sandcastle Fitness!

Join the Fun at the DUPRXpress Round-Robin Tournament!

Even if you didn’t snag a spot in the tournament, you can still be a part of the action! Come down to Robert Burnaby Park on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and cheer on the players as they battle it out for their DUPR ratings. Plus, we’ll have BBQ burgers for sale starting at noon—because what’s better than pickleball and good food?

And come a bit early (8:30 a.m.) and get some professional warm-up tips from Andrea Conti!

It’ll be a fantastic day, full of fun, friendly competition, and plenty of support from the sidelines. Your energy can make all the difference, so bring your cheers and enjoy a day of great pickleball action!

Ready, Set, Play!

With Andrea Conti leading the warm-up and over 60 players competing, the DUPRXpress Round-Robin Tournament is shaping up to be a day to remember.

Whether you’re playing or just watching, warming up is the key to staying injury-free and having the best time on the court. So come on out, enjoy the game, and let’s make this an amazing day together!

And remember to head down to Sandcastle Fitness and ask Andrea to help get you into prime pickleball shape!

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Why You Should Get Your DUPR Number

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone.

If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably wondered, “How good am I, really? And how can I tell?”

Enter DUPR, the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating, a new system that’s about to make your pickleball life way more exciting.

What Exactly is a DUPR Number?

DUPR (rhymes with super) was invented in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP). The system was designed to be the most accurate and inclusive global rating system for pickleball players, providing a dynamic and real-time reflection of a player’s skill level across various match formats.

A DUPR number is a rating that reflects your skill level in pickleball. It ranges from 2.000 to 8.000 and is determined by factors such as the points you win, match outcomes, and the types of games you play.

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone.

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone. Photo from DUPR.com.

Here’s an example of how the DUPR rating system works:

Let’s say you and your partner are rated 4.0 and up against a team rated 4.5. The DUPR algorithm calculates an expected value (EV) for how many points your team should score — let’s say it’s 7 points. Even if you lose the match with a score of 9-11, you’ve outperformed your expected value by scoring more than 7 points.

Cool, right?

As a result, your DUPR rating could increase, even though you lost, because the system recognizes that you played better than anticipated against stronger opponents. This way, DUPR rewards your performance, not just the final outcome.

So, What’s the Big Deal About DUPR?

DUPR isn’t just another rating system — it’s the rating system. 

Imagine knowing exactly how you stack up, not just at your local court but compared to players worldwide.

But here’s the best part: DUPR isn’t static. It updates in real-time based on your latest matches. Play well, and your rating goes up; have an off day, and it might dip—but that just gives you more motivation to get back out there and improve.

Plus, it’s completely gender-neutral and only cares about your court performance, as we showed in the example above. Your DUPR number isn’t just about winning and losing — it’s about how well you played.

Knowing your DUPR number helps you match up with players better.

Knowing your DUPR number helps you match up with players better.

Why It’s Awesome to Know Your DUPR Number

Let’s talk about why DUPR makes pickleball even more fun.

First, it creates fair and competitive matchups, a game-changer for tournaments, round robins, and casual play alike. Gone are the days of mismatched games where one team steamrolls the other. DUPR ensures that players with similar skills face off, making every match more exciting and challenging.

And if you’re the kind of player who loves seeing progress, DUPR is perfect for you. Knowing that every point and every match can impact your rating adds a whole new level of intensity. You’ll hustle for every ball and fight for every point because it all counts.

Plus, finding similarly skilled partners for more competitive games becomes a breeze — DUPR takes the guesswork out of matchmaking, so you can spend less time coordinating and more time playing.

Check out the DUPR website for more info. If you don’t have your DUPR number yet, you can easily sign up for one here or download their app.

It's simple to get your DUPR number. Photo from DUPR.com.

It’s simple to get your DUPR number. Photo from DUPR.com.

Get Your DUPR Number at the DUPRXpress Round-robin

Want to get your DUPR number up and running (and have a bunch of fun doing it)?

Great news — IPOP is hosting the DUPRXpress Round-robin from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 21st, 2024, at Robert Burnaby Park in Burnaby, BC, and it’s the perfect chance to get your DUPR number!

The DUPR-express pickleball tournament,

The DUPR-express pickleball tournament,

And, of course, beginners are welcome (the great thing about DUPR is that it takes your skill level into account, so your rating is more about how well you played relative to your competition than just wins and losses)!

This event isn’t just about fun and competition — it’s also a BC Children’s Hospital Foundation/Focus Humanitarian Assistance fundraiser and a BBQ to get to know your fellow pickleballers better.

  • The round-robin fee is just $40 (includes a BBQ lunch and to support Focus Humanitarian Assistance and the BC Children’s Hospital)
  • Everyone plays mixed doubles.
  • We’ll enter the scores to get your DUPR number for you at the event (after you join IPOP’s DUPR club, which we’ll send instructions on).

Sound like a good time? It will be!

If you want to sing up to play in this round-robin, click this link to the IPOP website and follow the instructions.

But hurry up and register because there are limited spots available.

Conclusion

DUPR isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making pickleball more enjoyable for everyone. It levels the playing field, encourages continuous improvement, and brings players together in a global community. Whether playing for fun or looking to climb the ranks, DUPR adds a layer of excitement and fairness that’s hard to beat.

So, why wait? Dive into DUPR and see how this game-changing system can elevate your pickleball experience. Click here to register for your DUPR account today. It’s fast, free, and easy. And if you register for the DUPRxpress, we’ll send you a link to join IPOP’s DUPR club. See you there!

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Dill-ightful Benefits: Why Pickleball is Perfect for Youth

Youth Summer Slam

Are you ready to discover the secret weapon for keeping kids active, happy, and healthy?

Spoiler alert: it’s pickleball!

While pickleball might be the darling of retirees, pickleball is also making waves with the younger crowd. This fast-paced, ridiculously fun game is perfect for young players looking to boost their health and well-being.

Keep reading to discover why pickleball is the ultimate game-changer for getting teens out of the house this summer (and all year round!)—and no, the kids don’t need to love pickles to play!

Pickleball is fantastic for youth!

Youth Pickleball is Growing Rapidly

It’s not just adults and older folk who are getting hooked on pickleball anymore; kids and teens are picking up paddles in droves, and that’s such a good thing!

Here’s why the sport is gaining serious momentum among the younger crowd:

  • Fastest Growth Rate: According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), players under 24 had the fastest growth rate of 21% from 2020 to 2021. That’s a lot of new young paddlers! (source)
  • Youth Participation Soars: In 2021, the 18-34 age group made up 18.5% of total pickleball participants, making it the second-largest age bracket after those 55 and older. (source)
  • Younger Players on the Rise: The average age of pickleball players dropped from 41 in 2020 to 38.1 in 2021. This means more young people are hitting the courts! (source)
  • Largest Demographic in 2023: By 2023, a whopping 28.8% of pickleball players in the US were between 18 and 34 years old, making this the largest age demographic in the sport. Who knew pickleball could be this trendy? (source)
  • Massive Overall Participation: The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) reported that 36.5 million people played at least once in 2023. That’s a lot of dinks and smashes, with many of them coming from youth and young adults! (source)

The bottom line is that pickleball is all about accessibility, the social aspect, and a lower barrier to entry compared to other sports. Plus, more schools and community programs are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon every day, boosting youth participation even more.

Physical Health Benefits of Pickleball for Youth

Kids must be active to be healthy, not glued to their phones or staring at a TV.

One of the most significant advantages of pickleball is its positive impact on cardiovascular health. The game provides an intense cardio workout, which helps lower risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Plus, unlike many high-impact sports, pickleball is gentle on growing joints and muscles, making it less likely for someone to get injured (but injuries do occur…) and ideal for youth of all abilities. Thus, everyone can participate and benefit.

Additionally, pickleball enhances several key physical skills through its dynamic movements:

  • Balance and Coordination: Improves balance and hand-eye coordination.
  • Agility and Flexibility: Enhances agility and flexibility, making players more adept at quick movements.
  • Strength and Stamina: Builds strength and stamina, including heart and lung health, through its cardio-intensive nature.

Pickleball’s physical health benefits make it an excellent choice for a sport for youth to get involved in, contributing to their overall physical fitness and development.

The great thing about pickleball is that it’s fantastic for people of all ages to enjoy!

IPOP and BC Lung recently hosted the BC Lung First Annual IPOP Classic on June 22, 2024, to raise funds for BC Lung’s health initiatives and promote the health benefits of playing pickleball. People of all ages and skill levels came out for a fun day of competition and raising money for a good cause!

To learn more about pickleball’s health benefits, check out our blog on what we have planned for the future and the cool video below.

Mental Health Benefits of Pickleball for Youth

Pickleball isn’t just good for the muscles, heart, and lungs.

The mental health benefits of pickleball are equally impressive. Playing the game can significantly decrease stress levels and improve coping abilities. The fast-paced nature of pickleball requires quick decision-making, which enhances focus and concentration. This mental stimulation benefits young minds, helping them stay sharp and attentive.

Additionally, pickleball is a highly social sport that facilitates making friends and forming social connections, which is crucial for youth development. The interactive, team-based nature of the game encourages camaraderie and teamwork. The physical activity in pickleball releases endorphins, boosting mood and promoting overall mental well-being.

A study of 51 junior pickleball players aged 8-18 found that playing more frequently was associated with greater perceived mental health benefits. Pickleball’s social aspects and inclusivity make it appealing to youth who are not drawn to traditional sports. Even novice players can experience these benefits, highlighting the sport’s universal appeal.

Here are the key mental health benefits of pickleball for youth:

  • Stress Reduction: Decreases stress levels and improves coping abilities.
  • Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Requires quick decision-making, which enhances focus and concentration.
  • Social Connections: Facilitates making friends and forming social connections.
  • Mood Improvement: Releases endorphins, boosting mood and promoting overall mental well-being.

Pickleball offers a supportive and engaging environment that fosters mental health and social development, making it an excellent choice for youth.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

For our money, one of the great things about pickleball is its inclusivity. Not every teen can play hockey, football, basketball, etc., but pickleball is different. Shoes, a paddle, a ball, and a net, and you are ready to go. You don’t have to be a star athlete or even in particularly good shape to enjoy it!

Pickleball is accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, and the people who play usually offer a welcoming environment to everyone, including youth, of all backgrounds and abilities. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the game.

Here are the key aspects of pickleball’s inclusivity and accessibility:

  • All Skill Levels: Pickleball is designed to be easy to learn, allowing beginners to pick it up quickly while also offering enough complexity to challenge advanced players. This makes it ideal for a diverse group of participants (source: Renown Health).
  • Low-Impact Exercise: The sport is low-impact, which means it’s gentle on the joints and suitable for young players who are still growing. This reduces the risk of injury compared to high-impact sports (source: Genesis HealthCare System).
  • Social Interaction: Pickleball’s team-based nature promotes social interaction, helping youth build friendships and develop teamwork skills. This social aspect particularly appeals to those who may not be drawn to traditional sports (source: Pickleball Magazine).
  • Mental Health Benefits: Pickleball’s inclusive nature also contributes to mental well-being. By providing a supportive and engaging environment, the sport helps decrease stress levels, improve focus, and boost overall mood (source: Taylor & Francis Online).

Introducing pickleball as often as possible is recommended to maximize its potential benefits for young people. Even novice players can experience the joy and advantages of the game, highlighting its universal appeal.

Pickleball offers a unique blend of inclusivity and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for youth looking for a fun, engaging, and health-promoting activity.

Conclusion

Pickleball offers a unique blend of inclusivity, accessibility, and numerous physical and mental health benefits, making it an excellent choice for youth. The advantages are vast, from enhancing cardiovascular health and balance to reducing stress and fostering social connections.

Whether your child is a seasoned player or new to the game, pickleball provides a supportive and engaging environment for all.

And what better way to get youngsters to play pickleball than in a youth pickleball tournament?

Youth Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament

The Youth Summer Slam will be a fantastic opportunity for teens (18 and under, four age groups) to test their pickleball skills, play with new friends, and get their competitive juices flowing.

The tournament is on July 18th, 2024, at the South Surrey Pickleball Courts.

Don’t miss out on this fun and memorable experience! To learn more and register, click here.

Join us in promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for our younger generation through the exciting world of pickleball.

And spread the word and help us make this tournament successful for all participants.

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community that brings people together, encourages healthy living, and promotes a positive and active lifestyle

Ipop Sports & Entertainment
The dream of IPOP

IPOP’s Canadian dream

Are you a pickleball fanatic like me? Do you feel the frustration of not being able to find a court to play on? Well, my fellow pickleball enthusiasts, it’s time to take action and join the Inclusive Place of Pickleball’s (IPOP) movement!

I have a deep love and passion for this game, and I believe that pickleball is more than just a sport. It’s a community that brings people together, encourages healthy living, and promotes a positive and active lifestyle. But, unfortunately, the pickleball community is facing a major problem in the lower mainland – a complete lack of pickleball space to play.

As the fastest-growing sport in North America, the number of players far exceeds the available court space. And suppose we don’t start taking action now. In that case, we will simply be priced out of the commercial real estate market, and pickleball facilities, land, and repurposed spaces will disappear or become so expensive that only the rich can play in country clubs or private club facilities.

That’s why I started IPOP. I began my quest to solve this problem by researching the iPOP business plan, and now we are on the search for space in this beautiful city. But finding space hasn’t been easy. The fear of my kids never being able to play at times that fit their schedule, or afford an expensive private club, is what fuels my desire to solve this problem.

We aim to get the first location up and running, raise capital again, repeat, and buy and build, in as many Canadian places as possible. Raw land, and commercial, recreational, and agricultural areas are not getting any cheaper, and our growing nation has many competing interests for a diminishing space. We need to secure pickleball spots now for our children and families for the future. Possibly, an opportunity to create the world’s first Pickleball REIT, or annuity fund. After all, we Canadians need to solve a Canadian problem with a Canadian solution.

I believe that my Higher Power loves Pickleball, and it is just a matter of time before we find a home for the first Canadian IPOP location. When we find it, our goal is to raise the capital to buy the building and secure the space for the future generations of pickleball players that are certain to come.

My dream is to play pickleball with my grandkids at an IPOP facility. At IPOP, we believe the world is a better place with pickleball, individuals are better (defined as healthy, happy, and productive) when they play pickleball, and communities are stronger with pickleball players.

So, are you ready to join the movement and help us grow? Stay tuned to hear more about IPOP and how you can help us secure pickleball spots for future generations. Let’s make sure that pickleball remains an inclusive and accessible sport for all Canadian Pickleheads, from coast to coast!

dynamic green bounce swoosh on yellow ball

POP!

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