Pickleball enthusiasts on southern Vancouver Island can rejoice; Victoria is getting the first of its kind, a pickleball festival. The three-day competitive event will be held from August 28 to August 30 at the city’s brand-new courts at Topaz Park. Brittany Buna is the founder of the upcoming event and says there are pickleball tournaments held in other parts of the country, although this will potentially be Canada’s first festival. “It is going to be three days with an opening night on the Friday,” said Buna. “There is going to be an outdoor vendor market, food trucks, and of course live music,” According to Pickleball Canada, the sport is one of the fastest growing in the country and has seen a 340 per cent increase in participation over the past five years. The festival’s organizers are hoping to register upwards of 350 participants for the summer event. “I call it the United Nations of racket sports; you can bring together people who have had tennis, badminton, and squash experience all together on one court and have an equal playing advantage,” said Buna. “I think all ages can play together from 9 years old to 90, and they still have fun; they still can rally, and you always are smiling,” Registration for the Victoria Pickleball Festival opens online at 8 a.m. on July 5.
