VIPB Newsletter: Feb 18, 2025

Vancouver Island Pickleball's Weekly Update

Welcome to this week’s edition of the VIPB Newsletter. It’s a big week for Vancouver Island Pickleball as we welcome Courtside Sports as our Title Partner! Learn more about this exciting development below. It was a fun past week as well, as VIPB headed out to document this month’s King of the Tower tournament at Victoria Pickleball Centre.

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Enjoy the week and reach out to [email protected] to list an event, add a court, pitch a story, or discuss partnership opportunities for your Island business.

Courtside Sports named Title Partner of Vancouver Island Pickleball

February 18, 2025 (Victoria, BC) – Courtside Sports, the leading retailer for racquet-based sports on Vancouver Island, has been announced as the Title Partner of Vancouver Island Pickleball (VIPB), the Island’s premier digital hub for pickleball enthusiasts. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the growth of the sport on Vancouver Island, as both organizations work together to elevate the pickleball experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

Established in 1990, Courtside Sports has been a staple in the Capital Region sports community for decades. With a dedicated professional staff of experts and coaches, Courtside Sports serves players of all levels in pickleball, tennis, padel, squash, badminton, volleyball, and table tennis.

"We are thrilled to partner with Vancouver Island Pickleball, a community-driven initiative that shares our passion for sport and fitness," said Courtside Sports owner, Crystal Andresen. ”This partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting the Island’s pickleball community and providing them with the best equipment, service and resources. We look forward to working closely with VIPB to help grow pickleball across Vancouver Island.”

February’s King of the Tower crowns winners at Victoria Pickleball Centre

Players compete at February’s King of the Tower event (Photo: Vancouver Island Pickleball)

Saturday night at Victoria Pickleball Centre saw players crowned for February’s King of the Tower, proudly sponsored by Tower Fence Products.

View the full image gallery

Twenty-four pickleball players in total were in attendance to compete against one another over the course of the evening for a number of prizes. The night concluded after 12, 10-minute rounds of engaging, fun, and competitive 3.5+ play.

Results
Court 1: Cory Bilodeau & Arash Azarakhshi
Court 2 : Randy Wickens & Kevin Smith 
Court 3 : Qionna Fyfe & Paige Stonefish

“I just love watching everybody have fun,” said tournament organizer Krista Josselyn. I love it when things are well organized, and it’s just it's just so much fun just to watch the the finished product.”

The King of the Court-style tournament saw winning players move up a court, split from their partner, and start another game. The objective of the tournament saw winning players from the top court taking home the night’s prizes.

Players compete at February’s King of the Tower event (Photo: Vancouver Island Pickleball)

The monthly competition is proving to be a popular one, with next month’s March event registration already full. Josselyn suggests to be ready online when April’s edition opens up for registration online for those interested in securing a spot.

About Vancouver Island Pickleball

Vancouver Island Pickleball is the destination for all things pickleball on the Island. Founded in 2024, VIPB is dedicated to empowering the sport’s dynamic community with resources, tips, and the latest news to help the sport flourish and reach new heights. Built for seasoned players and beginners alike, VIPB is here to elevate the Island pickleball experience.

Looking to get involved? If you’re a player, club, business, or organization with a passion for pickleball, reach out at [email protected].